Back to top

A total of $997,974 was donated to numerous charities, not-for-profit organizations and activities across Canada during 2009. This program is composed of three areas: Corporate Donations, United Way and the Directed Donations program.

Corporate Donations
This program funds national charitable organizations as well as regional and local organizations where we have a large business presence and who are supported by our local agents.

In reviewing funding requests, the following criteria are considered:

• Is this national in scope?
• Does this contribute to a safe, healthy and sustainable community?
• Does this initiative have local Co-operators Board and/or staff/agent involvement and/or support?
• Does it have broad community support?

In 2009, a total of $ 477,980 was directed to approximately 65 organizations and events.

Directed Donations
This program is available to all staff, delegates and directors of The Co‑operators. Each staff member is encouraged to direct $75 of corporate funds to a charity of their choice. In 2009, a total of $237,450 was disbursed to approximately 174 non-profit and charitable organizations in Canada.

For more information please contact:
Corporate Citizenship Specialist
The Co‑operators
130 Macdonell St
Guelph, Ontario N1H 6P8
Email: the_cooperators_foundation@cooperators.ca
Map

* Please note: electronic inquiries and proposals are preferred

Back to top

In reviewing proposals, our overall focus will be the creation of sustainable economic development initiatives for disadvantaged individuals or communities. Our CED fund offers multi-year grants that provide recipient organizations with longer term planning options and increased financial stability.

Since the Fund’s inception in 1995, over $2.5 million has been disbursed to 70 organizations. Recipient programs help the unemployed and underemployed, the intellectually or physically disabled, at-risk youth and immigrants build the skills and confidence to find meaningful work and, in many cases, freedom from social assistance. Proposals for funding are reviewed twice per year. Application deadlines are January 31 for a mid-April decision and August 30 for a decision in mid-November.

In 2009 a total of $368,000 was allocated to 20 CED projects, click here to view a listing of these CED Fund Recipients and for the Funding Application.

Criteria for consideration for funding:

• Have a specific program aimed at helping a marginalized population
• Provide evidence of strong, long-term community partnerships and other funders
• Build capacity building for the organization and the local community
• Have access to appropriate technical, strategic and administrative assistance
• Develop a sound business and marketing plan
• Record specific outcomes and measures of success 

Projects not eligible for assistance:

• Research, feasibility studies, surveys
• Conferences, workshops, seminars
• Fund-raising initiatives
• Deficit reduction
• For more information please contact:

the_cooperators_foundation@cooperators.ca

Director, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship
The Co-operators
130 Macdonell St
Guelph ON N1H 6P8
Map

Back to top

We recognize the valuable contributions that co-operatives have made to our own growth and development as a third-tier co-operative. With that in mind, The Co-operators administers a program of grants and investments dedicated to co-operatives and emerging/expanding co-operative ventures.

The purpose of the program is to encourage the formation of self-sustaining co-operatives in a strong and diverse co-operative sector, which can meet the needs of Canadians while paying special attention to social needs and development. Over the past 17 years The Co-operators have provided $1,349,485 in grants and investments to developing co-operatives.

Each year The Co-operators will make available $100,000 for investments and $100,000 in grants to co-operatives. Proposals for funding are reviewed three times per year; each summer, winter and spring.

Investments
In order to be considered for an investment (maximum $25,000), applicants must provide a satisfactory plan, budget and business case, references and other supporting material. If an investment is made, The Co-operators will require shares or other evidence of the investment, and may require appropriate security. Since the primary responsibility for financing the co-operative belongs to the members, The Co-operators portion of the total financing will always be a minority.

Grants
The grant program will concentrate on selected initiatives for the development of emerging co-operative sectors and co-operative enterprises.

The purpose of the grants is to cover the cost of feasibility studies, marketing and skill development. Grants are not intended to cover operating losses or to subsidize operations.

The amount of funding available under the grant program will be approximately $5,000 - $20,000 per initiative.

In 2009, $100,000 in grants was directed to 7 co-operatives. Click here to view a listing of the CDP Fund Recipients and for the Funding Application.

For more information please contact:
the_cooperators_foundation@cooperators.ca

Director, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship
The Co-operators
130 Macdonell St.
Guelph ON N1H 6P8
Map

Back to top