NCBA - National Cooperative Business Association
12/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/09/2025 16:15
Learn about CDF’s 2026 grant and scholarship opportunities
Did you know that the Cooperative Development Foundation has been building the capacity of the cooperative business community since 1944? CDF provides grants for cooperative development and education every year. We could be supporting your co-op work! Check out the opportunities below and save the date for exciting events we are hosting in the new year.
Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
Cooperative Development Fund
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 U.S.
2026 Priorities:
- Affordable housing (limited-equity housing co-ops)
- Good Jobs (worker co-ops)
- Healthy Food (food co-ops)
Cooperative Education Fund
The Cooperative Education Fund supports cooperative research, sponsors cooperative education events and scholarships and develops cooperative education materials and programs.
Each year, the Cooperative Education Fund offers:
- 10-15 grants to support cooperative education programs
- 12-15 event sponsorships
- Individual scholarship support through a grant to the Ralph K. Morris Foundation
The Fund provides $100,000-$140,000 in grants, scholarships, and sponsorships annually. Grants range between $1,000 and $10,000. Over $1,250,000 has been given out in the past ten years.
Unsung Cooperative Heroes
CDF's Cooperative Education Fund will offer small grants to individuals interested in conducting research to identify and provide documentation for nominations of individuals whose work and achievements in advancing cooperatives have gone unrecognized.
Research will be used to nominate and advocate for the next Unsung Cooperative Hero. Researchers will be required to advocate for their nominee to a Selection Committee comprised of cooperative leaders from all sectors. If the nominee is chosen for induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame, the researcher will receive a ticket to attend the ceremony. There will also be up to two tickets available for family members of the inductee.
Cooperative Leaders & Scholars
The Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) provides cross-sector leadership development and builds professional networks for new and emerging cooperative leaders and scholars. This 8-month fellowship provides opportunities to participate in multi-sector programming and events, and to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders. This community empowers and trains its fellows to build a more inclusive economy in North America, together. The experience is open to new and emerging cooperators: current employees or board members, post-secondary students, or others interested in working for, creating, or leading a cooperative or cooperative organization.
Designed to deepen and broaden knowledge of cooperatives and the role the model plays in meeting economic and social needs of communities, the program is structured to empower participants to shape their experience for maximum value as they connect and collaborate with peers and industry experts.
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NCBA - National Cooperative Business Association published this content on December 09, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 09, 2025 at 22:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]