Co-operative Development Initiative 2009-2013

The Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) is a government of Canada program delivered in partnership with the co-operative sector. CDI is designed to help people develop co-ops and to research and test innovative ways of using the co-operative model. CDI will make the co-op option more readily available to Canadians, to respond to their present-day challenges.

Description of CDI

The program has three interrelated components:

The Advisory Services component is delivered by the co-operative sector through a network of co-operative development experts established across the country. The objective is to provide access to professional and technical services needed for the successful launch or strengthening of a co-operative. The Advisory Services component is managed jointly by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil Canadien de la Coopération et de la Mutualité (CCCM).

The Research and Knowledge Development component is designed to undertake, support and share research that will advance co-operative development and growth.

The Innovative Co-operative Projects component provides funding to innovative projects that respond to public policy priority areas and generate best practices and learning.

Innovative Co-operative Projects

Policy Priorities

The policy priorities to be addressed through the Innovative Co-operative Projects are:

• agriculture, including farmer-driven value-added agriculture and biofuels;
• rural/northern community development;
• innovative goods and services, including innovative technologies; and
• capacity building and sustainability.

Financial Parameters

Upper limit for projects

The upper limit of funding for Innovative Co-operative Projects is $75,000 per year per project.

Proponent Contribution

The minimum proponent contribution for Innovative Co-operative Projects is 25% per individual project.

Management of the Component

The Innovative Co-operative Projects component will be delivered jointly by the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil Canadien de la Coopération et de la Mutualité.

How to Apply for Funding

Guidelines for applicants and application forms are available on the web sites of CCA and CCCM.

Canadian Co-operative Association

Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité