Cooperative Development Institute

If you're attending the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) Conference in Worcester, MA next month, make sure to head over to the workshop led by CDI's Terri Bruce! In this workshop, Terri will present three case studies of organizations that used a "bottom up" approach to identify and measure programmatic outcomes, leading to increased growth, innovation, and funding. You'll walk away understanding the steps to implement this approach at your own organization. Visit MNN's website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/esfSqGZA #nonprofit #data #evaluation #workshop

We are proud to have supported the transition of Ward Lumber to an employee-owned cooperative! It is amazing to hear of the impact that the transition has made on the company and its employee-owners three years later. Congratulations on your success, Ward Lumber, and we continue to root for you! Thank you Strictly Business Magazine for highlighting their story. Thank you Adirondack North Country Association for your partnership. "Our employees are stronger and more flexible. People have learned to make good decisions on their own," said Kevin Kennedy, Ward Lumber's IT manager and current president of the Ward Lumber Worker Cooperative Board of Directors. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g3_V_YRp #employeeowned #cooperatives #familyowned

In honor of our 30th anniversary this year, we created an interactive timeline that highlights some of the cooperatives that we've supported over the years with a mission to grow a more prosperous and equitable economy. Click the link to explore the timeline and read their inspiring stories: https://lnkd.in/gB-fVdNF There's one thing that all the cooperatives have in common. They address the pressing needs in our communities including the need for affordable housing, sustainable food systems, and preserving local businesses and jobs. Please help us to expand our impact by making a donation today! #cooperatives #affordablehousing #foodsecurity #community #shoplocal #economy

New Roots Cooperative Farm — founded by four Somali Bantu farmers based in Lewiston, ME — welcomed the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Terry Cosby and US Rep. Chellie Pingree with a tour of the farm's greenhouses last Tuesday. New Roots was one of several Maine farms visited by Mr. Cosby last week. Thank you Sun Journal for covering the visit! See more photos from the Sun Journal here: https://lnkd.in/eKHMvS3m Photo credit: Andree Kehn/Sun Journal #cooperatives #shoplocal #supportlocalfarmers

Have you visited CDI's swag shop yet? Our very own communications manager showed off her CDI swag during a vacation with her husband in Nova Scotia last week. Shop our swag shop for yourself, family, and friends today! Part of the proceeds will be donated to CDI to help us in our mission to build a more equitable and prosperous economy. Did we also mention our swag is made by a worker-owned union co-op (Worx Printing Cooperative) right here in the USA? Shop here: https://lnkd.in/eFYjR3BY #cooperatives #cdi #shoplocal

CDI is seeking new board members! The ideal candidate has cooperative experience, a commitment to DEIJ, and lives in New England or New York. If you or someone you know is interested in gaining board experience, making a difference in our communities, and applying your unique skills at an innovative, growing nonprofit, this is the role for you. Click here to learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ewSrF2P2 #boardrecruitment #hiring #cooperatives

“I have employees who are really smart, ambitious, and driven individuals,” said Jesper Kruse, founder of Maine Passive House. “I knew that if I tried to keep this company going with just me as the owner, they would eventually leave. They’re going to want a piece of the pie to stick around at the company. I also wanted to get everything set up so when it was time for me to retire, everything is already in place.” Congratulations to the Maine Passive House team on all the hard work (and soul-searching) they put into this process! We can't wait to see how the company continues to grow and evolve! Read their story here:https://lnkd.in/gARHAt7x #employeeowned #cooperatives #smallbusinessbigdreams #smallbiz #successionplanning

A new halal meat production and processing system in Maine is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to the support of CDI and new funding from the USDA Rural Development agency. There are two components that are in the works to create this new halal meat food system in the state: 1) Developing a cooperative of local livestock producers and 2) building Maine’s first, exclusively halal-certified, USDA-regulated slaughter and processing facility. “Despite the recent growth of Muslim and other immigrant populations in the region, there are no local sources for these culturally relevant processed meat products,” said Katherine Bessey, Director of CDI’s Cooperative Business Services Program. “There is a need to develop an equitable local food production system in Maine that provides access to culturally relevant food, such as halal slaughtered meats. Maine farmers need a variety of tools to create a sustainable industry. By forming a cooperative to pool resources and expand markets, Maine’s farmers, producers, sellers, and consumers will all benefit.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emY3yH2P #cooperatives #halalfood #supportlocal

We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched a new swag shop! Part of the proceeds will be donated to CDI to support us in our mission to create a more prosperous and equitable economy for our communities. Show your CDI love by shopping here for your family and friends! Shop our swag here: https://lnkd.in/eFYjR3BY #supportnonprofits #cooperatives #equity #missiondriven

"Within one week, the group had gathered enough resident signatures to form the Blueberry Fields Cooperative. They eventually offered more than $26 million — $50,000 more than an anonymous buyer — to purchase the park. They secured letters of interest from a few banks and others and an initial loan to cover a deposit. And their offer was accepted." CDI is honored to be supporting the residents of Brunswick's Linnhaven Mobile Home Center through the process of purchasing their community, ensuring that residents feel secure in their homes. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dkjTyj8r #affordablehousing #manufacturedhomes #maine #brunswick #residentowned