Building Cooperative Leadership

Meet David

David helped immigrant workers in Rhode Island form a construction co-op and secure new state funding for legacy business preservation.

Meet Varun

Varun launched Cooperate Connecticut and built statewide infrastructure for co-op education and advocacy.

Meet Desi

Desi uplifted Indigenous cooperative efforts through culturally grounded tools and storytelling in Wabanaki communities.

Meet Swain

Swain cultivated the Capital Region Co-op Connection, creating spaces for peer learning and collaboration in New York.

Meet Steph

Steph organized a “co-op of co-ops” to unite BIPOC farmers across the Northeast, connecting rural producers to urban food systems.

Why Your Support Matters

Your Support Fuels Cooperative Futures

The Co-op Navigator Fellowship proves that with structure, support, and relationships, grassroots co-op leaders can transform local economies. Fellows and their host sites now serve as regional anchors, continuing to train new co-op developers, strengthen BIPOC-led businesses, and expand equitable ownership models.

Your donation helps CFNE:

  • Fund stipends and training for future fellows

  • Provide coaching and technical assistance to community organizations

  • Build inclusive cooperative ecosystems rooted in justice and shared prosperity

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Support Our Mission

Join us in empowering communities by contributing to our fellowship program. Your donation makes a difference.
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Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowship 2.0 — Coming Fall 2026

We’re building on the success of the first cohort to launch Co-op Navigator Fellowship 2.0. Expanding our model to reach more communities and deepen regional collaboration.

Details will be announced in 2026. Join our mailing list to stay informed about applications, program updates, and upcoming events.

Join the Interest List →