Applications for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-op development Program

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.

Grants 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.

Application forms and a guide are available at http://www.coopscanada.coop/en/coopdev/FNMI_coops

Deadline for proposals:  September 15, 2012

Please note: Our application deadline for grants for projects beginning in 2013 will still be December 15, 2012.

More information is available from Mark Goldblatt at (613) 238-6711 ext 205 or FNMI@coopscanada.coop

Please pass on to other groups who may be interested in this opportunity.