Cooperative Development Grant Program

We are no longer accepting applications for this year’s program. Details on this page apply to the 2024 round of funding.

The next application period opens in late December 2024.

The Cooperative Development Grant Program (CDG) is a competitive funding opportunity to help farmers finance new cooperatives that organize for purposes of operating an agricultural product processing facility or marketing an agricultural product or agricultural service.

Eligible applicants

Applicants must:

• Be a new cooperative organized under Minn. Stat. 308A or 308B (incorporated on or after January 1, 2019);
• Certify that all control of the cooperative is from farmers, family farm partnerships, family farm limited liability companies, or family farm corporations (as defined in Minn. Stat. 500.24, subdivision 2) who are actively engaged in agricultural commodity production;
• Be operated primarily to process agricultural commodities or market agricultural products or services produced in Minnesota;
• Receive or intend to receive agricultural commodities produced primarily by shareholders or members of the cooperative; and
• Not allow nonpatron voting rights.

Eligible projects

Projects must support the development of new cooperatives in the production, processing, or marketing of agricultural commodities, products, or services produced in Minnesota.

Amount available

We expect to award approximately $375,000. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.

• You can request between $2,500 and $50,000 for an individual project.
• This grant requires a match.
  • You must commit at least 50% of the total project cost as a match.
  • Match can be in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or both.

Applying

The application period for this grant has ended. We expect the next application period to begin in late December 2024; check back for updated program materials.

To learn more about the program and start planning for the next application period, read the FY24-25 request for proposals (PDF). This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it’s posted. You can also view our list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare.

Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.