Empowering Communities Through Cooperative Growth

Building Cooperative Leadership

Over the past three years, CFNE’s Co-op Navigator Fellowship has supported five remarkable fellows. Black, Latine, and South Asian leaders who are expanding the cooperative economy across the Northeast.

With CFNE’s training, mentorship, and funding, fellows launched new co-op businesses, created educational resources, and strengthened networks that will last well beyond the program. From Rhode Island to Maine, their work has deepened community ownership and advanced economic justice.

Program Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

Fellows described the experience as transformative—a chance to lead boldly, grow professionally, and ground cooperative values in real community outcomes.

Read Testimonials

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.

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