The Manitoba Cooperative Association (MCA) is now currently available to offer small co-op development grants, thanks to contributions from co-ops across the province. All funding is provided for cooperative activities within Manitoba only. For most grant approvals, you MUST be incorporated as a cooperative in order to apply. In limited cases, groups who are seriously considering incorporating as a co-op may be eligible for grant approval.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available to support co-op development activities in your co-op project.
The application deadline is April 30, 2018
Please be sure to carefully follow the directions outlined on the application form.
Funding will cover expenses such as:
- Business plans, feasibility studies, offering statements
- Consultants and other technical expertise hired via contract (application must state who the co-op is hiring, what their qualifications are and what the deliverable will be). Legal fees related to incorporation will be considered on a case by case basis. Free co-op development services are available through both the Province of Manitoba. Applicants must demonstrate that their incorporation goes beyond the traditional scope of incorporation.
- Up to 50% of costs associated with member recruitment provided there is a clear plan outlining objectives and deliverables (limited to a maximum of $2,000 per co-op within a 5 year period). In rural areas where travel is essential to the member recruitment activities, mileage reimbursement may be considered at $0.25/km to a maximum of 20% of the total amount funded upon submission of a mileage form. Member recruitment will only be considered where the applicant can demonstrate that education of the cooperative model to prospective members is a key objective.
- Up to 50% of educational costs. Applicants must clearly set out what type of workshops / classes will be attended and how the knowledge will be transferred to improve their co-op and the cooperative community. Recipients MAY be required to present their learnings to the co-op community
