The objective of this thesis is to explore a people-based approach to community development. The existing challenges of development are introduced and the role training institutes can have in developing the human capital of development practitioners and management abilities of non-governmental organizations that work with the vulnerable in society at the grassroots level is explored. The study focuses on the Coady International Institutes Antigonish-based and overseas training programs whose aim is to promote equitable and sustainable development practices internationally. In order to accomplish this, key socioeconomic and program evaluation theories are reviewed, including how they can be applied in the context of the Coady Institute. From the theory presented in the study a conceptual framework is developed upon which further analysis can be built.