The Co-op Navigator Fellowship

Cultivating Cooperative Ecosystems

Learn about our fellowship program that is growing the support of co-ops in Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and low wealth communities across the northeast.

Apply to Be a Fellow

The Co-op Navigator Fellowship (CNF) emerged out of consultations with Black, Latinx, and Indigenous rooted organizations striving to develop community owned and governed enterprises.

Despite cooperatives being a powerful tool to create reliable jobs and build community wealth, there are many barriers to cooperative development in Black, Indigenous, immigrant and low wealth communities. This fellowship program is on a mission to change that.

How it Works:

CFNE works with fellows.

Fellows work with host sites.

Host sites work with communities.

Communities grow stronger cooperative businesses.

Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowship 2.0

 We’re building on the success of the first cohort to launch Co-op Navigator Fellowship 2.0.

This redesigned 9-month program offers a supportive learning journey for co-op curious professionals wanting to engage co-ops more deeply in Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and low wealth communities.

Participants will gain the skills needed to support local cooperative economic solutions from the ground up. 

Learn more about the application process here.

Apply to be a Fellow

Experience Cohort 1 in Action

Watch the video to learn more and hear directly from fellows.

Get Connected

Sign up for our interest list to get emails about news, events, and updates about the Co-op Navigator Fellowship.

 Looking for other co-op resources and general interest lists? Click here.

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.

“During my time as a Fellow, we were able to introduce over 250 people to co-ops.  With every activity Fuerza Laboral does, we explain and encourage attendees to be part of the co-op world.” 

-Davíd, 2022-2025 Fellow

Download the Impact Report.

Download

Your Support Matters

Funding the Future

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
Donate

Interested in making a major gift? Contact josie@cooperativefund.org.