Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Co-operative Development Program (CDP) grant supports co-operatives in building resilient, sustainable, and socially responsible businesses. Grants up to $20,000 help co-operatives expand impact, strengthen capacity, and implement projects promoting social wellness, economic inclusion, and environmental resilience.
Overview of the CDP Grant
The Co-operative Development Program (CDP) by Co-operators provides funding to legally incorporated co-operatives to grow their impact and strengthen organizational capacity. The program supports projects that generate positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes in communities while promoting sustainable business practices.
Focus Areas and Objectives
CDP grants target initiatives that:
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Promote social wellness: Support positive mental health among youth and community members.
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Foster inclusive economy: Help underserved individuals gain skills, employment, and financial resiliency.
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Advance environmental resilience: Support projects mitigating climate risks, promoting a low-carbon economy, and protecting biodiversity.
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Support co-operatives across sectors: While priority may be given to social and environmental projects, co-operatives in other sectors are also eligible.
Funding Details
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Maximum grant amount: $20,000, not exceeding 50% of total project or initiative budget.
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Funding is intended to support organizational growth, product expansion, and project impact.
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Eligible costs include: feasibility studies, market research, business planning, marketing and promotion, member engagement, and legal and financial support.
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Ineligible costs include: capital expenditures, ongoing operational expenses, insurance, scholarships, university or college courses, conferences, travel, fundraising initiatives, deficit reduction, or retroactive expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
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Legally incorporated co-operatives in good standing.
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Projects must demonstrate a clear community impact, either socially, economically, or environmentally.
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Co-operatives should aim to strengthen capacity, expand impact, or improve sustainability.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Prepare Proposal: Define project objectives, target outcomes, and impact on community or environment.
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Budget Planning: Ensure requested funding does not exceed 50% of total project budget.
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Submit Application: Include details on co-operative structure, legal incorporation, project plan, and eligible expenses.
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Grant Review: Applications are evaluated for alignment with focus areas, feasibility, and potential community impact.
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Grant Award: Successful co-operatives receive funding to implement approved initiatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Requesting funding for ineligible expenses such as capital purchases, travel, or operational costs.
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Exceeding the 50% funding limit relative to the total project budget.
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Submitting proposals without clear objectives or measurable outcomes.
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Applying without proof of legal incorporation or co-operative status.
Why This Grant Matters
The CDP grant helps co-operatives:
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Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability.
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Expand social, economic, and environmental impact.
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Support marginalized populations through inclusive programs.
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Encourage responsible business practices and long-term resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant amount? $20,000 per project.
2. Can the grant cover all project costs? No, it cannot exceed 50% of the total project budget.
3. Who is eligible to apply? Legally incorporated co-operatives in good standing.
4. What types of projects are supported? Social wellness, economic inclusion, environmental resilience, and other co-operative initiatives.
5. Are capital expenditures or operational expenses eligible? No, these costs are ineligible.
6. Can co-operatives in any sector apply? Yes, co-operatives across sectors are eligible.
7. What expenses can be funded? Feasibility studies, market research, business planning, marketing, member engagement, and legal/financial supports.
Conclusion
The Co-operative Development Program (CDP) grant empowers co-operatives to strengthen capacity, expand product lines, and create meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact. By providing targeted funding and support, the program fosters resilient and responsible co-operatives that benefit communities and promote long-term sustainability.
For more information, visit Co-operators.