Bolstering Rural Co-op Economies
Through a Rural Cooperative Development Grant, CDF will improve economic conditions - directly and in partnership with existing co-op development organizations and new state/regional initiatives to:
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Create jobs in rural America through new or expanded co-op enterprises;
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Equip the rural workforce of today and tomorrow with skills to start, sustain, and grow cooperative enterprises; and
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Provide context in which co-ops can grow through mutually beneficial economic relationships to meet the needs of American farmers and communities.
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To help achieve those goals, CDF will implement two programs that benefit rural co-op economies. This work is supported by the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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Who may apply: Cooperative development organizations or individual cooperative developers that serve rural communities
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Not eligible: Existing CDF sub-awardees
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How to apply: Submit an application through Submittable. We will begin accepting applications in January 2026.
Preferred Vendor Program
CDF will expand access to specialized, community-informed technical assistance for rural cooperatives and groups exploring cooperative formation that can be directed in response to emerging momentum and opportunity throughout the year. CDF will identify, vet, and contract with trusted development practitioners who possess both technical expertise and long-standing ties to rural communities.
Co-op Developer Scholarships
CDF will allocate resources to ensure that cooperative developers have the opportunity to attend national and regional cooperative education events to strengthen their ability to meet the needs of rural co-ops and communities.