On Co-op provides Technical Assistance Funding under the CDI Advisory Services program. This funding is meant to provide co-operatives with funding they need to grow and develop their organization, and can be used on a number of different types of expenses.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to be eligible for CDI Advisory Services funding through On Co-op, your organization must meet the following criteria.

If your group is already incorporated:

• You must be incorporated as a co-operative.
• You must be a member of On Co-op, or a member of one of its members. For example, if your organization is a member of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation, you do not need to be a member of On Co-op. If you do not meet this criteria at the time of application, you may still apply, and the appropriate membership fees will be deducted from the amount of the grant.
• You must utilize the services of a registered Technical Assistance Provider to complete your grant work. Technical Assistance Providers are either consultants registered as Co-op Developers through CoopZone or registered as CEDTAP Providers. A list of appropriate providers can be obtained by calling our Co-op Development Manager.

If your group is not yet incorporated:

• You must provide the name of an incorporated entity that will act as a trustee for the funds for you. This can be a parent organization, or a partner agency that your group is working with. It is also possible for the Technical Assistance Provider doing the work for you to act as your trustee, even if they are not incorporated - please contact the office to discuss this possibility with our staff.
• You must be a member of On Co-op, or a member of one of its members. For example, if your organization is a member of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation, you do not need to be a member of On Co-op. If you do not meet this criteria at the time of application, you may still apply, and membership fees will be deducted from the amount of the grant. For non-incorporated groups, a Friend membership of $54 is an acceptable level of membership.
• You must utilize the services of a registered Technical Assistance Provider to complete your grant work. Technical Assistance Providers are consultants registered as Co-op Developers through CoopZone. A list of appropriate providers can be obtained by contacting our Co-op Development Manager.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Expenses eligible for grant funding include:

• feasibility studies
• business plans
• incorporation assistance and bylaw development
• board training
• organizational structure development and coaching
• capitalization and financing assistance
• offering statement guidance and development
• member services and outreach assistance

Grant funding cannot be put towards:

• capital expenses (equipment, computer software, physical installations)
• advocacy or lobbying work
• payment of existing and ongoing operational expenses (including employees of the organization)

Co-ops work!