Cooperative Development Fund Grant

The Cooperative Development Fund Grant supports cooperative development, research, and technical assistance for cooperatives focused on seniors, international development, and affordable housing. Grants, typically ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, are awarded once a year, with a two-stage application process: a concept paper followed by a full proposal for selected applicants. Up to two grants are awarded annually, with decisions announced shortly after the Advisory Board meeting in January.

NOTE: The Advisory Board will meet in January to choose up to two concept papers to move forward to the next stage. Decisions will be relayed within one to two weeks of the Advisory Board meeting. If the concept paper is chosen to move forward, the applicant must submit a proposal that includes scope of work, personnel, detailed budget, deliverables, and outcomes. Successful applicants will be given 30 days after they have been notified of the Advisory Board's decision to move forward with their concept paper to submit a full proposal.
The Cooperative Development Fund supports cooperative development, research, and technical assistance for cooperatives serving the needs of seniors, international cooperative development, and affordable housing. Grants given out by this Fund, typically no more than two annually, historically have ranged from $20,000 to $30,000. There is only one cycle of grant giving, in January, for this Fund.
The Cooperative Development Fund grant process involves two stages - the submission of a concept paper and, if chosen, the submission of a full proposal. The intent is that unless the full proposal is not submitted or is significantly lacking, the concept papers chosen will receive grants.
2026 Priorities
The Cooperative Development Fund seeks to support organizations whose work addresses the immediate needs of people and communities such as:

• Affordable Housing (limited-equity housing co-ops)Good Jobs (worker co-ops)Healthy Food (food co-ops)

We will prioritize grant making to established co-op support organizations that strengthen the broader co-op business community by creating synergy among partners and demonstrating models that can be replicated in other communities, as well as organizations engaged in placed-based initiatives with potential for broader impact.

Eligibility

Who may apply: Cooperatives, cooperative development organizations, cooperative related groups and members, staff and board members of cooperatives. Grants are only available to organizations in the United States.

Ineligibility

The Cooperative Development Fund will not fund:general operating expenses, capital expenditures, endowments, or organizations located outside of the United States.