Asset- Based Community Development builds on the assets that are found in the community and community members, community-based organisations, local governments and private sector to come together to realise and develop their strengths. This makes it different to a deficit-based approach that  focuses on identifying and servicing  needs.  

From the start, an  asset-based approach spends time identifying the assets of all aspects that form the community. The identified assets from an individual are matched with people or groups who have an interest in or need for those strengths. The key is beginning to use what is already in the community. Then work together to build on the identified assets of all involved. The first key method of the ABCD approach is that development begins with the recognition of asset categories that can be uncovered in any community and place. When applying ABCD principles, communities are not thought of as complex masses of needs and problems but rather as diverse and capable webs of gifts and assets. Each community has a unique set of skills and capacities it can channel for community development.