The Cooperative Development Fund focuses on fostering cooperative development through research and technical assistance. It primarily supports cooperatives that serve seniors, partake in international cooperative development, and provide affordable housing.
The grant program is dedicated to offering financial assistance to cooperatives and their members, as well as employees and volunteers of cooperative support organizations, who are facing challenges due to natural disasters or emergency situations. The program's goals are to aid recovery by covering basic necessities such as food, clothing, housing (including repairs), transportation, and medical assistance (including psychological counseling). Additionally, it supports cooperatives and cooperative associations by covering uninsured expenses necessary to return the business to operational viability. Funding availability is contingent upon the fundraising efforts within the cooperative sector, and the grant review process involves evaluation by the Executive Director of the CDF and, for applications requesting more than $1,000, by the CDF Board.