HOW WE WORK

For Donors

CDF is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, a charitable foundation. This means that the funds we manage can fall into three categories: unrestricted (CDF has discretion over their use), restricted (funds must be used for donor's intent), and revolving loan (instead of grants, funds are loaned out with expectation of return plus interest).

When you donate to CDF, more than likely you are giving unrestricted funds- which we can use as opportunity funds to help all co-ops.

When you donate to CDF Funds, you are likely donating restricted funds- which can only be used toward the purpose of the Fund to which you gave.

When you donate to the revolving loan funds, your money will provide the principal to loan to co-ops (particularly housing) that might not be able to close funding elsewhere.

For Borrowers

When you apply for a CDF grant or revolving loan, the expectation is that you are either a cooperative business that is trying to expand, train or educate; or a new cooperative attempting to become established. Please do follow the specific grant and loan guidelines available online for each Fund.

While CDF does not give grants or loans to individuals, this is a great opportunity to learn about the advantages of cooperation and cooperative business!