Mission & Purpose
A Connected Planet Foundation exists to connect people — in underserved communities and across international boundaries — to the information they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Two sectors, one mission.
Two Sectors, One Mission
In the public sector, we bring digital tools, open educational resources, and classroom technology to underserved communities — from Title I schools in Appalachia to developing nations worldwide.
On the government side, we help the U.S. engage more effectively with partner nations by tackling the real-world challenges of cross-border information sharing — configuring enterprise systems and training the people who use them.
All of our work involves Information and Communication Technology (ICT). But we are not a technology organization. We solve complex problems through technology — with the majority of our effort focused on the people and processes that make it work.
Dr. Sheila Hearne
Founder
In memoriam
The Founding Vision
A Connected Planet was founded by Dr. Sheila Hearne on the conviction that access to information is a fundamental human right — not a privilege reserved for those with resources or geography on their side.
Dr. Hearne built ACP to bridge the gap between communities that have access to information and those that don't — whether that gap is measured in miles, bandwidth, language, or institutional capacity. Her vision remains the foundation of everything we do.
Our Core Values
These values guide every program we run, every partnership we form, and every decision we make.
Information Is a Right
Whether it's a child in Appalachia needing quality learning materials or a partner nation needing critical operational data, access to information changes lives. We believe no community should be left behind because of geography or resources.
Configure & Teach
We don't just deploy technology and leave. We configure systems to fit real needs and train the people who use them — so the tools actually get used, and the impact lasts long after we're gone.
People First
Technology is only as good as the people behind it. We invest in training, capacity building, and long-term relationships — not just infrastructure. Communities, not devices, are our measure of success.
Mission-Driven
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar we earn through fee-based work goes back into our humanitarian programs. Profit is a means, not an end — and every decision we make reflects that.
How We Pursue the Mission
Three principles shape how we translate our mission into action on the ground.
Focused Impact
We concentrate our resources where they can make the greatest difference — underserved schools, developing communities, and complex international information environments where the need is greatest and the gap is widest.
Practical Innovation
We don't chase novelty. We find solutions that work in the real world — offline-capable apps for schools without reliable internet, low-cost devices for communities with limited budgets, and training programs that stick.
Partnership-Driven
We work alongside communities, not above them. Our partnerships with organizations like Matènwa Community Learning Center in Haiti and schools across Appalachia are built on mutual respect and shared ownership of outcomes.
Our Operating Model
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our financial model is designed to maximize mission impact — not organizational growth.
We perform fee-based consulting and cost-sharing services for government and institutional clients. Profits go exclusively back into our humanitarian programs.
Alongside paid work, our team contributes volunteer time to humanitarian projects in underserved communities worldwide — because some work is too important to wait for funding.
Private donations are reserved for humanitarian projects with matching requirements from government or NGO partners — so every dollar you give is multiplied.
Join the Mission
Whether you want to donate, partner with us, or simply learn more about our work — we'd love to connect.