Cooperative Development Fund
Ends on
The Cooperative Development Fund supports cooperative development, research, and technical assistance, including but not limited to cooperatives serving the needs of seniors, international cooperative development, and affordable housing. The Fund's grant process involves two stages: the submission of a concept note and, if chosen, the submission of a full proposal. Unless the full proposal is not submitted or is significantly lacking, the concept notes chosen typically receive grants.
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.
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)
- Jobs (worker co-ops)
- 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.
Preference will be given to organizations demonstrating that with CDF’s funds, their projects can move forward.
What we don’t support: The Cooperative Development Fund will not fund general operating expenses, capital expenditures, endowments, or organizations located outside of the United States.
How to apply: Submit a concept note that includes:
- A brief description of the entity submitting the proposal, its capacity and expertise, and the population it serves (up to 100 words);
- A brief description of the concept, major deliverable(s), and any connection it has to any other cooperative development project (up to 500 words);
- How the concept promotes measurable outcomes, with a focus on historically underserved communities and residents in urban areas, through cooperative development (up to 250 words);
- High level budget narrative (up to 100 words); and
- A description of how the success of the concept will be measured and how lessons and stories will be amplified (up to 250 words).
Review process: Concept notes and supporting materials will be reviewed by the Fund's Board of Advisors and approved by the CDF Board of Directors. All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications within one to two weeks of the Board vote.
Full proposal: If the concept note is chosen to move forward, the applicant must submit a full proposal within 30 days of being notified.
Recipient obligation: Cooperative Development Fund recipients are required to report on deliverables and outcomes from the grant(s) within 2 months of completion of the project.
Concept notes are due on February 9, 2026.
For technical difficulties, please contact support@submittable.com.