Resources
Below is our library of information, resources, and research on cooperatives.
Co-op Networks, Inspirations and Allies
Regional Co-op Networks
These are existing networks of cooperatives in the Pacific Northwest.
Cascade Cooperatives
Co-op Network serving Whatcom, Skagit and Cascade Counties
CoSound
Co-op Network serving the South Puget Sound (Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor Counties).
Olympic Cooperative Network
Co-op Network serving Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties.
National & International Co-op Networks
International Cooperative Alliance
The International Cooperative Alliance unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide.
Introduction to Co-ops
Co-ops 101: An Introduction to Cooperatives
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Cooperative Information Report 55, Revised November 2012
Deciding How to Decide
NWCDC, March 2006
Starting a Co-op
Overview
Steps to Start a Co-op
How to Start a Co-op
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Cooperative Information
Vision & Mission
How to Create a Shared Vision
Business Planning
SWOT for Co-ops
Business Plan for Established Businesses
USDA Your Businesses Plan
Feasibility Studies
USDA Feasibility Study Guide
Vital Steps: A Co-op Feasability Study Guide
Funding Information
Fundraising Ideas
Board of Directors
Building a Productive Co-op Board
Components of Board Development
Duties and Responsibilities of Cooperative Board Members
Golden Rule Guide to the Rules
Governing for the Future: The Board’s Role in Expansions
Types of Co-op Boards
Understanding Co-ops: Business Management Functions
Board Member Job Description
Board of Directors Self Assessment
Creating Committees
Committee Charters
Co-op Industry Reports & Studies
Cultural Workers Organize have produced two reports on the co-op ecosystem in the US and Canada. Read them online here or download the pdf on the links below:
Cooperative for Sustainable Communities e book
Survey of Co-operative Capital
Industry & Sector Specific Resources
Agribusiness Co-ops
Oregon Farm Corp
Energy-Related Co-ops
Oregon Clean Power Co-op
Harvesting NW Bioenergy Co-ops
Feasibility Report for Olympia Biofuels Co-op
Forest Co-ops as an Ownership Model to Aggregate Forest Biomass
Food Co-ops
2013 “Fresh Starts” Conference for Food Co-ops (Hosted by NWCDC and Food Co-op Initiative)
Map Your Successful Journey, PDF of the presentation by Stuart Reid, Food Co-op Initiative, September 2013
The Economics of the Local Food Supply Chain, PDF of the presentation by Matt Mylet, One PacificCoast Bank, September 2013
Idaho’s Bounty and Its Community, a video presentation by Lynea Petty, Idaho’s Bounty Co-op, September 2013
Agenda for 2013 “Fresh Starts” Conference, September 12, Portland Oregon
Approaches to an Online Food Co-op
A webinar by NWCDC, 2011
Case Study: Idaho’s Bounty, An Online, Local Food Cooperative
A Week with Idaho’s Bounty Online Food Market
Starting an Online Local Food Cooperative,
A Food Co-op in Your Community, video by the Food Co-op Initiative
Healthy Foods, Healthy Communities Study
Housing Co-ops
Want to learn more about Resident Owned Communities and transitioning a Manufactured Home Park to a ROC? These helpful guides (provided in English and Spanish) can help your community prepare.
NWCDC is a ROC USA Certified Technical Assistance Provider (CTAP)
Improving their lot: Nonprofits help residents buy trailer park in Oak Harbor, Whidbey News-Times article December 2013
A reason to be thankful: Residents purchase Oak Harbor mobile-home park ROC article December 2013
Own it Together: Buying Land as a Cooperative, YES! article Spring, 2013
Residents Turn Duvall Mobile Home Park into a Resident-Owned Community ROC article January 2013
ROC USA En Espanol ROC Website
¡Los residentes deciden ser dueños de su comunidad de costa a costa! ROC USA El Reportero Comunitario, 2009
