Co-operative Development Initiative Call for Proposals for Innovative Co-operative Projects
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil Canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM) are very pleased to announce the renewal of a four-year partnership agreement, the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI), with the federal government’s Co-operatives Secretariat. One major part of the CDI is the “Innovative Co-operative Projects” component. Through a selection process, we will support individuals or communities as they test new ways of using the co-operative model, including creating co-operatives to respond to identified needs.
The deadline for proposals will be July 31, 2009. A Guide for Applicants is available in both English and French and the application form and full details are posted on the Canadian Co-operative Association and Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité websites.
We can already provide you with some information:
- The project proposal can be for one or up to 4 years funding but each year of funding must be spent by March 31st of the year in question. For 2009-2010, because of the July 31st deadline date for proposals, we estimate you will have only 6-7 months in which to complete your project.
- The maximum amount will be $75,000 per year per project.
- The major policy priorities are:
- Agriculture including farmer-driven projects for value added agriculture and biofuels
- Rural/northern community development
- Innovative goods and services, including innovative uses of technology
- Capacity building and sustainability
Please check the website of Canadian Co-operative Association for postings of the application form, in approximately two weeks, or contact: John Anderson at john.anderson@coopscanada.coop for further information and the website of the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité or email Dominique Guénette.
General information on the Innovative Co-operative Projects component
Please note that a CDI Advisory Services delivery partner cannot be the main project proponent under ICP. Your organizations can take part in projects and be paid for specialised, technical assistance provided to project proponents. However, you cannot be in a position where your organization would be legally accountable for a project and its success. There is a ministerial imperative that we must respect. I am sure you will find innovative ways to make ICP work for all parties involved.
How does the Innovative Co-operative Projects component work?
Innovative Co-operative Projects will test and demonstrate innovative uses of the co-op model. Projects might be innovative in any number of ways; for example through operating in an area new to co-ops, or through innovative financing or partnership arrangements. An existing co-op might see an opportunity to expand its role to new opportunities or challenges, or to adapt its operations to a new region or community. A key requirement to meet this policy objective of the program is the ability of the project to generate information on best practices and lessons learned, or other information that adds to the body of co-op development knowledge.
How will the Research and Knowledge Development component be delivered?
The Co-operatives Secretariat at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will work with the co-operative sector and with academics to develop a strategic research agenda and establish a national research network. Further details on this component will be available on the Co-operatives Secretariat’s web site once initial work on the research agenda is completed.
Who can apply for Innovative Co-operative Projects funding?
Co-operatives, organizations and associations, universities and colleges, and local governments are all eligible to apply for funding, as are persons who intend to develop a co-operative in collaboration with an established entity. All proponents must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding contracts.
Are there priority areas for CDI Innovative Co-operative Projects funding?
Building on the recognized strengths of co-ops, we are interested in learning more about how co-operatives can contribute to meeting the economic and social needs of Canadians. Within this context, we are particularly looking for projects that can assist in the following areas:
- agriculture, including farmer-driven projects for value-added agriculture and biofuels;
- rural/northern community development;
- innovative goods and services, including innovative uses of technology; and
- capacity building and sustainability.
What is the funding range for Innovative Co-operative Projects?
The funding range for projects is between $5,000 and $75,000 per project per year. Multi-year projects are allowable (up to four years), but must be completed by the time the program ends on March 31, 2013.
For Innovative Co-operative Project, what will the CDI funding pay for?
CDI funds will help pay for the additional costs that a proponent will have to incur to successfully implement a project, including expenses such as office rental, labour costs, and materials and supplies. CDI does not pay for regular ongoing expenses of an organization, for capital costs, or for legal fees associated with the incorporation of an organization.
What contribution do you expect from applicants?
Applicants or their partners are expected to contribute at least 25% of total project costs. The partner contribution can be from other federal sources; however, total government contributions (including CDI) cannot exceed 75% of project costs. Consideration may be given to an increased level of federal funding for northern, remote and/or disadvantaged urban communities. Partnership building is an important element of CDI, and priority will be given to projects that engage partners, either financially or through other means.
