"The CDP grant came at just the right time for us. We were able to use the funds to take advantage of a unique opportunity to grow our product line and further our mandate for social and environmental impact. In the past year we nearly doubled our product offerings - each made using reclaimed wood in ways that supported meaningful employment to those facing barriers to work. The grant meant that we could put proper resources into building our coop the way we build our products: long-lasting, and with an eye towards supporting the most marginalized in our society."
Chris Nichols, General Manager + Co-Owner, Wood Shop Workers Co-op
Co-operators is committed to helping build more resilient and sustainable communities. We highly encourage co-operatives that operate in the following sectors to consider applying for funding:
Social wellness
Co-ops promoting positive mental health among youth
Inclusive economy
Co-ops supporting underserved individuals to gain job skills, employment opportunities and financial resiliency
Environmental resilience
Co-ops supporting the transition toward a low-carbon emissions economy, reducing risks related to climate change, and protecting biodiversity
Co-operatives operating in other sectors are also welcome to apply
To be eligible for a grant, organizations must be legally incorporated as a co-operative at the time of their application and include their articles of incorporation with their application.
Co-operative Development Program (CDP) grants are made to cover costs associated with co-operative business development, including feasibility studies and market research, business planning, marketing and promotion, member engagement, and legal and financial supports. We do not provide financial assistance for:
The maximum grant amount available is $20,000 (this amount must not represent more than 50% of the project / initiative budget).
Applications are available starting January 6, 2025, and will be accepted until March 31, 2025, before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time). Co-operatives interested in more information are invited to email us at the_cooperators_foundation@cooperators.ca.