Making the case for cooperatives in the FY27 appropriations process

As Congress begins work on the FY2027 appropriations process, NCBA's government relations team has been on Capitol Hill meeting with key Senate offices.

These conversations are an important opportunity to reinforce that cooperatives are effective business models and strong partners in addressing economic challenges in communities across the country.

For cooperatives, the appropriations process has direct consequences. Annual funding decisions determine whether the federal programs that help co-ops form, grow and serve their members will remain available in the year ahead. That's why engagement at this stage matters. As lawmakers begin setting priorities, it is critical that cooperative interests are included early.

As lawmakers begin setting priorities, it is critical that cooperative interests are included early.

FY2027 Co-op Priorities

During this appropriations season, we are advocating for the following priorities and amounts:

Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program: $8 million

Since its creation more than 20 years ago, RCDG has been instrumental in developing over 1,000 rural co-op businesses and creating and preserving 15,000 jobs by funding cooperative development centers that provide specialized technical assistance to cooperatives nationwide.

Department of Labor Employee Ownership Initiative: $7 million

These technical assistance grants help establish and expand employee ownership programs, supporting co-op conversions and other shared-ownership pathways that help keep businesses local as owners retire.

Cooperative Development Program: $18.5 million

CDP expands the reach of U.S.-based cooperative development implementors overseas, where co-ops can help build resilience, wealth and financial security in local communities.

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund: $324 million

The CDFI Fund expands access to capital in underserved rural and urban communities. Because co-ops struggle to meet the lending requirements of the U.S. Small Business Administration's programs, the CDFI Fund offers a funding mechanism that helps finance cooperative startups, expansions and member-serving needs.

Keeping co-ops top of mind as federal funding decisions take shape

As part of our recent outreach, NCBA's government relations team, along with our President and CEO Doug O'Brien and Executive Vice President and CFO Val Roach, met with the offices of Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee; Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee; and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Democratic Whip and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

These meetings were especially meaningful because each of these senators plays an influential role either in shaping spending priorities directly or in helping guide the Senate's broader agenda.

During each meeting, our team highlighted the importance of federal programs that help cooperatives grow, build local wealth and respond to community needs. We also emphasized that co-ops are strong stewards of public investment because they are rooted in member ownership, local accountability and long-term commitment. That model helps translate federal support into lasting outcomes for small businesses, workers, families and rural communities.

As the FY27 appropriations process moves forward, NCBA will continue working with Congressional offices to ensure cooperatives are recognized as a practical and proven part of the policy landscape. Maintaining that presence is essential to making sure co-ops remain part of the conversation as federal funding decisions take shape.

Take a look at our FY26 appropriations successes here.

NCBA encourages co-ops and members to educate Congress on the benefits of co-ops and key programs that support the ecosystem by contacting your local Congressional representatives and sharing your co-op's story with them. To get the latest advocacy news delivered to your inbox, subscribe to Co-op Weekly and keep an eye out for our advocacy alerts.

For more information on NCBA CLUSA's advocacy priorities and resources, visit ncbaclusa.coop/advocacy or contact[email protected].