Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) Program

Purpose: An 8-month professional development program designed to deepen and broaden knowledge of cooperatives and the cooperative business model's role in meeting economic and social needs of communities.

Program Structure:

  • 8-month duration

  • Multi-sector programming and events

  • Networking with cooperative leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders

  • Peer support and collaboration among cohort members
  • Eligible Applicants:

  • New and emerging cooperative leaders

  • Cooperative professionals from all sectors (food, housing, credit unions, worker cooperatives, etc.)

  • Individuals from cooperative development organizations

  • Cross-sectoral professionals engaged in cooperative development
  • Geographic Scope: United States and North America (includes participants from Canada)

    Program Components:

  • Co-creation of meaningful learning experiences

  • Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

  • Connection to national cooperative support system

  • Introduction to cross-sectoral cooperative community
  • Administering Organizations:

  • Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF)

  • NCBA CLUSA
  • Contact Information:

  • Email: info@cdf.coop

  • Phone: 202-383-5440

  • Address: 1725 I Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Application details not fully specified in provided materials. However, based on available information:

    1. Complete application form demonstrating:
    - Interest in cooperative development
    - Current role in cooperative sector or cooperative development
    - Leadership experience and potential
    - Commitment to participate in 8-month program

    2. Program cohorts accepted annually (applications typically processed in early spring for cohort starting later that year)

    Recent Cohort Information:

  • 2026 Cohort: Being welcomed (announcement made)

  • 2024 Cohort: 17 participants selected

  • 2023 Cohort: 19 participants selected

  • Selection is competitive and intentionally diverse
  • For current application deadline and process, contact CDF directly.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitsprofessional-developmentworkforce-development

    Categories

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