CDF Seeking Support for the Howard Bowers Fund for Food Coops

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 5, 2017) — The Cooperative Development Foundation is seeking support from the food co-op community for the Howard Bowers Fund.  The fundraising campaign began in August and continues through October.

Since 1994 the Howard Bowers Fund has been strengthening food coops through grants for training and education for food co-op members, staff and boards.  Thanks to the generosity of the food co-op community, the Fund has given more than $475,000 in grants and scholarships.  In 2016, nineteen food cooperatives received grants for board and staff training and the Fund provided $68,000 in sponsorships and scholarships. The Fund also supported co-op member participation in the CCMA, Up and Coming and Small and Strong Conferences.

The Bowers Fund relies on Principle Six, cooperation among cooperatives to continue its work, and we’re asking food co-ops all over the country to chip in.  As a special incentive to co-ops who are leaders in supporting the Fund, the first five to donate$500 or morewill be invited to host one of our co-op quilts for two months in 2017.  Participating co-ops hang the quilts in their stores as a reminder of the strength of the food cooperative movement and their co-op’s commitment to the Cooperative Principles.

October is co-op month and the theme this year is “Co-ops Commit.”  CDF is committed to building a vibrant, sustainable food cooperative community through the work of the Howard Bowers Fund and we invite the food co-op community to join us by making a donation.

To donate online today, go to our website, cdf.coop/bowersfund. Checks may be written to the Cooperative Development Foundation with the Howard Bowers Fund referenced in the memo line.  If you have questions, contact Mary Byrne at mbyrne@cdf.coop.

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The Cooperative Development Foundation promotes community economic and social development through cooperatives. CDF is a thought leader in the use of cooperatives to create resilient communities, including the housing and care needs of seniors.  Through its funds, fiscal sponsorships, and fundraising, CDF provides grants and loans that foster cooperative development domestically and abroad.  CDF’s Cooperative Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding cooperative leaders at the National Press Club in Washington, DC each year.  http://www.cdf.coop/