Global Communities and Project Concern International Announce Merger

Major international development organizations merge to expand reach of proven programs, scale solutions for transformational change alongside vulnerable communities around the world
 Silver Spring, Md. and San Diego, Calif. – April 6, 2020 – International development and humanitarian assistance organizations Global Communities and Project Concern International (PCI) announce a merger in order to expand their work to improve lives and livelihoods in communities at home and around the world. At a time of unprecedented public health challenges, the merger of these two organizations will increase the impact of their proven programs and enable them to deliver sustainable change to tens of millions of people in over 35 countries. 
Global Communities’ Board of Trustees and PCI’s Board of Directors approved the merger, citing complementary but unique geographic footprints and programmatic expertise as an opportunity for two vibrant organizations to advance their missions as a combined entity.
Once merged, Global Communities and PCI will form one of the most dynamic U.S.-based international non-governmental organizations. Both organizations work closely with the U.S. government, foundations, philanthropies, and corporate and individual donors who support programs that help transform the lives and livelihoods of families and communities.
“We can bring to bear on the world’s problems a combined 127 years of commitment to global development, humanitarian assistance and financial inclusion. Together, we will be able to expand our reach to serve vulnerable populations in more than 35 countries globally. The combination of our varied technical expertise and our highly talented and experienced staffs will result in an exponential growth in our ability to work alongside communities to improve their lives and livelihoods,” said David Weiss, CEO and President of Global Communities. 
“In today’s interconnected world, fast-moving threats like COVID-19 can challenge families’ lives and livelihoods. More than ever, we need innovative, adaptable solutions that build resilient communities, with a particular focus on women and girls. Together, PCI and Global Communities have a broader range of expertise, talent and proven solutions we can deliver to meet these challenges and help transform lives here at home and around the world,” said Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President and CEO of PCI.  
Both organizations are committed to continuing to deliver excellent results in all ongoing projects. During a transition period of approximately 18 months, PCI will operate as a subsidiary of Global Communities, known as PCI, a Global Communities Partner. Following full integration, the combined entity will be known as Global Communities, with an international headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. San Diego, California will be the West Coast home of Global Communities and the base for expanding the impact of critical ongoing domestic health programs. David Weiss will serve as CEO of Global Communities and Carrie Hessler-Radelet will serve as President of Global Communities. The combined entity will have an expected revenue of $240 million annually. 
Global Communities Board of Trustees Chair Gov. Richard Celeste said, “With the current pandemic of COVID-19 and other persistent diseases, record numbers of vulnerable people displaced due to conflict and natural disasters, and the urgent need for better sanitation, education, housing, and financial opportunity, we certainly have our work cut out. We are prepared to make the strategic investments necessary to realize our full potential. I am confident that our blended organization, working alongside our community partners, and with these new investments will successfully meet these challenges.”
PCI Board of Directors Chair John Potter said, “PCI’s roots in San Diego are deep, but the impact of our community-led programming is global. Expanding access to innovative solutions to build healthy, strong communities is at the heart of what we do, and the partnership with Global Communities will ensure those solutions reach more families right here at home and around the world.”
PCI, founded in San Diego in 1961, now works in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas, including the United States. Last year alone, PCI impacted the lives of 21 million people around the world. PCI is a global development organization that drives innovation from the ground up to enhance health, end hunger, overcome hardship and advance women and girls —resulting in meaningful and measurable change in people’s lives. Learn more at www.pciglobal.org. 
Global Communities was founded in 1952 as Cooperative Housing Foundation, and until 2012, was known as CHF International. Working in 27 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia and Europe, Global Communities is a global development and humanitarian assistance organization committed to working in partnership with communities worldwide to bring about sustainable, impactful changes that improve the lives and livelihoods of the vulnerable. Innovation in rural sanitation, market-based workforce education, and strengthening civil society are among its areas of expertise.  Learn more at www.globalcommunities.org.
Vitas Group, a Global Communities for-profit holding company, leads in financial inclusion through access to financial services to individuals as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq and Romania to help them realize their potential and become full social and economic participants in their communities. Learn more at www.vitasgroup.com.