Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships Grant

Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ralph K. Morris Foundation
Amount: US $300 - US $1,500
Last Updated: September 08, 2025

Summary

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation offers Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships to support training and professional development for emerging leaders, especially from rural areas. The program adapts to changing needs by providing financial assistance for cooperative education events and scholarships. Priority is given to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, encouraging a collaborative approach to leadership development in communities. This initiative aims to foster the future of cooperatives through accessible education and training opportunities.

Overview

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation Cooperative Leadership program provides financial support to help cover costs associated with training, professional development, and educational programs for young and emerging leaders (particularly those from rural places) interested in the future of cooperatives and communities. History and Purpose of the Program ​​From the Foundation's creation until the pandemic, we provided stipends and scholarships for individuals to participate in cooperative education events. Since then we've been adapting, along with the organizations we support, to using sponsorships and partnerships as the primary means of engagement. We continue to evolve with the changing environment. We have prioritized our giving to Minnesota and Wisconsin: events held here, organizations based here, and/or in support of individuals who reside here.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Funds will be used to support established cooperative education events, professional development, and training programs. Organizational applicants (priority) are encouraged to apply for funds that will used to support scholarships for individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend. Individual applicants (less typical) must be sponsored by an organization. It is recommended that organizations sponsoring participants provide matching funds of at least 33% of the total program costs (including conference registration and travel expenses). Recipients are eligible to receive support once per calendar year.

Ineligibility

Operational or vocational training & formal degree programs are ineligible uses of these funds. Morris Foundation trustees and staff, including their immediate families, are ineligible to apply for individual scholarships.