Honoring Those Who Inspire Us
Who inspires you? It is worth pausing to think about it. They are often the people who expand what we see as possible, both by their example and by the way they include and support others. Sometimes our heroes are people who changed history by carving new paths or creating new institutions. Or sometimes our heroes are the people who have selflessly expanded the sense of opportunity and inclusion for us and countless others, unlocking the potential of the next generati
11 hours ago3 min read
CDF welcomes the 2026 Cooperative Leaders and Scholars Cohort
The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is honored to welcome the new cohort of the Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) Fellowship –– a dynamic group of 22 emerging leaders committed to strengthening the cooperative business community across North America. The 2026 cohort represents a wide range of cooperative ownership types and industries –– including credit unions, worker, food, housing, utilities, and agricultural cooperatives –– and reflects deep talent and pas
Mar 22 min read
Cooperatives are the path to the economy we desire
Earlier this month, I read a New York Times article on “desire paths” – the dirt tracks that appear across the grass when the established walkways don’t follow the route that people naturally want to go. “They’re evidence, over time, that an existing design is not adequate,” wrote Melissa Kirsch. “They remind us that we have a choice and that we can veer away from what was laid out for us.” It made me think that cooperatives are the “desire paths” of our economy. Cooperati
Feb 273 min read
Cooperate to Own the Future
Spending time with my college-age children over the holidays, I reflected on my hopes for them. I want them to be able to pursue their passions or address challenges they see; build strong relationships and give back to their communities; have an income that allows them to meet their needs and the security of financial assets; and feel empowered to shape their future. Fundamentally, these are the things that I want for all people. At the Cooperative Development Foundation , w
Jan 163 min read
Cooperative Development Foundation Announces New Board Members
The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is delighted to announce the addition of three new members to its Board: Vanessa Bransburg of the Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI), Jeffrey Connor of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and Leslie Hagele of CoBank . “Over the past year, the CDF Board of Directors developed an exciting strategic framework for the next five years,” said John Holdsclaw IV, chair of the CDF Board. “We are pleased to
Jan 83 min read
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. Our 2025 Impact Grant and Scholarship Opportunities The Cooperative Development Fund supports cooperative development, resea
Dec 5, 20253 min read