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Every Co-op Has a Story

These are the people and co-ops that are creating thriving ecosystems in the northeast. Journey with us through their wins, lessons, and impact.

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What is a Co-op?

A co-op (or “cooperative”) is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. (Source: International Cooperative Alliance Statement on the Cooperative Identity) 

“Cooperatives are community-builders that people often shop at, live in, or work for.”

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Common Questions About CFNE

Explore answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CFNE.

What is the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast (CFNE)?

The Cooperative Fund of the Northeast is a community development financial institution (CDFI) that makes loans to cooperatively-owned businesses and community-based nonprofits. For more than 50 years, we have been lending to community-owned grocery stores, employee-owned companies and worker-co-ops, housing co-ops and resident-owned communities throughout New England and New York.

What is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)?

A CDFI can be one of any number of financial institutions. The primary mission of CDFIs is to promote economic development in struggling areas, both urban and rural, that are underserved by traditional financial institutions. CDFIs are playing a critical role in building a healthier economy by providing these communities with the access to capital that they so sorely need. CDFIs can be credit unions, community loan funds (like CFNE), venture capital funds or community development banks. There are more than 500 CDFIs in the United States, with at least one in every state.

Is CFNE a cooperative?

No, CFNE is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. However, our board and many of our staff are from the cooperative communities we serve.

How can I support CFNE?

You can make a social investment loan or a charitable donation to CFNE. You can also refer others to CFNE as borrowers or investors, and you can support CFNE’s borrowers by shopping at their stores and using their services.

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