2026 Coop Innovation Award Application
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Please complete the following application by June, 12, 2026 (12:00am EDT) to be considered for a one (1) year grant of up to $50,000 from Capital Impact Partners and National Cooperative Bank. The grant will fund organizations and businesses that are using the cooperative model to foster economic opportunity and address issues facing their community. The grant funding should be used to amplify innovative models that can be replicated locally, regionally, or nationally. Priority will be given to co-ops where the majority of members of the community served are living with low incomes. The award is intended to support early-stage projects and provide catalytic capital that will attract other funders. Funding will be awarded for specific projects and not for general operating funds for the organization. Selected finalists will be invited to further documentation by July 31, 2026.
The uses of funding include, but are not limited to:
- Financial projections
- Project scope and design
- Feasibility analysis
- Operational and staff costs
- Training development
- Leadership and professional development
- Tools and technologies
- Outreach and marketing
- Contractors or consultants
The top applicants will be asked to provide additional documentation to the review committee within 21 days of notification including:
- W-9 dated within the last 12 months
- Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, or similar formation documentation appropriate to entity type
- Bylaws, Operating Agreement, or similar governing documentation appropriate to entity type
- 501(c)(3) Determination Letter (if applicable)
- Most recent financial statement (audited if available)
- List of current funders
Timeline
- Selected finalists will be invited to further documentation by July 31, 2026.
- Grant finalists will be notified of the final grant decisions by September 15, 2026
- Grant recipients will receive grant funding within 30 days of Capital Impact Partners receiving the signed grant agreement
For more information, you are invited to attend one of the following webinars:
Webinar #1 May 27th at 1pm
https://momentuscap-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nPz62UbkSSqLrVn8YBDqmA
Webinar #2 June 4th at 12pm
https://momentuscap-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ukc0mFC6RxCrtkdf9u5O7g
Further inquiries may be directed to apowers@capitalimpact.org.