Cooperate to Own the Future

CDF
2 days ago
3 min read

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, we believe that cooperatives offer a powerful pathway to all of these aspirations: an ownership stake, a membership community, a meaningful voice, and a commitment to community. These are not abstract ideals—they are practical tools for solving real problems in lasting ways.

Why the Cooperative Model Matters

In a time of growing inequality and declining trust, the structure of our institutions matters. Cooperative businesses embed cooperation directly into ownership and governance structures, ensuring accountability to the people they serve.

That’s why cooperatives:

Keep wealth rooted in local communities;
Give people real power over economic decisions;
Ensure those most impacted determine how these enterprises meet real community needs;
Build trust through transparency and shared responsibility; and
Create durable enterprises designed for long-term impact.

From credit unions and food co-ops to worker-owned businesses and housing cooperatives, the model proves that ownership shapes outcomes—and that shared ownership leads to shared prosperity.

"The cooperative model proves that ownership shapes outcomes—and shared ownership leads to shared prosperity.”

Ownership Is the Future

Our guiding theme for 2026—Own the Future—reflects a simple truth: when people have a stake, they invest more fully in the success of their communities and in one another.

At CDF, we focus on building the conditions that allow cooperative ownership to grow and thrive. Our work is anchored in three interconnected priorities:

Expanding and diversifying cooperative leadership, by bringing new people into the cooperative movement, strengthening the cooperative identity, and supporting cross-sector leadership development.
Strengthening the national cooperative support system, so cooperatives can access the non-extractive capital, high-quality technical assistance, research, and partnerships they need to succeed.
Demonstrating what strong local cooperative economies can achieve, by learning alongside communities and sharing proven models that connect policy, capital, education, and cooperation.

Cooperative ownership is not a niche solution, but a viable and visible pathway for communities across the country.

A Call to Own the Future—Together

The cooperative movement has never been about waiting for change. It is about building it—deliberately and collectively.

Owning the future means choosing models that align our values with our economic systems. It means supporting cooperative businesses, investing in cooperative development, and championing policies and partnerships that expand access to shared ownership.

We invite you to learn more about the cooperative model and join us in strengthening the systems that make democratic ownership possible.

For cooperatives, cooperative developers, and cooperative educators: Applications are currently open for the Cooperative Development Fund (due: February 9) and Cooperative Education Fund sponsorships and scholarship (due: January 31).
For new and emerging leaders in the cooperative field: Applications are currently open for the Cooperative Leaders & Scholars program (due: February 2).
For cooperative developers: Applications are open for support to engage in professional development to better serve rural communities (due: February 27).
For foundations and financial institutions: Interested in getting needed capital to cooperatives? Contact CDF (info@cdf.coop ) to explore how we can partner.
For everyone: Registration for the Co-op 5k will open by the end of January. Join us – either in person in Washington, D.C. on May 2 or virtually between April 18 and May 1 – to come together across co-op sectors and facilitate support for the broader cooperative field.

The future is not something we inherit. It’s something we build and own—together.

“The future is something we build and own—together.”

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From the Desk of the Executive Director

Julie Bosland is a results-driven executive with over 25 years of experience helping public, nonprofit and business leaders expand economic opportunities and build strong communities. As executive director of CDF and senior policy advisor to NCBA CLUSA, the apex organization for US co-ops, she supports co-ops and co-op developers nationwide. Previously, Julie served in senior leadership roles within Living Cities, Think Shift (an initiative of The DeBruce Foundation), National League of Cities, and in federal and local government. A graduate of Swarthmore College, Julie earned her Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and in 2024 earned INP’s Certificate in Nonprofit Practice.