Call for Applications
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) is accepting applications for its First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-operative Development Program for projects that can start this fall.
Small grants are available to help Aboriginal communities explore the potential of co-operatives to meet their needs. The program is targeted to groups in the beginning stages of a new co-op. Applications can be submitted by an incorporated organization such as a band, a tribal council, friendship centre, an existing co-operative, or a provincial co-op organization to manage the funds on behalf of the group that is examining the co-op idea.
Funding is available for a variety of purposes, including:
- Consultations between First Nations Métis and Inuit communities and existing co-operatives or co-op experts to discuss potential projects. This could include visits to existing co-ops or to bring co-op people to a reserve or community.
- Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to examine a business idea
- Training for new staff and board members.
Grant requests should be in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per project.
Projects receiving funding are selected by a Steering Committee including representatives of Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., the Canadian Co-operative Association, the Assembly of First Nations, the National Association of Friendship Centres, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Deadline for proposals: September 15, 2012
Please note: The application deadline for grants for projects beginning in 2013 will still be December 15, 2012.
