CDS

Since 1985, CDS continues to be at the forefront of sustainable cooperative development in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Cooperative Development Services (CDS) and its 501(c)3 charitable subsidiary, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS (the Fund) actively support the growth of cooperative businesses at all stages, including long-established co-ops, startups, and co-op conversions in urban and rural communities.  Our programs and services reflect our understanding that a cooperative must be successful both as a democratic association of members AND as an operating business.  We offer analysis, planning, and educational services customized to meet your co-op’s specific needs.  Our technical assistance gives co-ops tools to maximize business opportunities and gain access to necessary capital. View our Program pages to learn more.

CDS is registered to accept tax-deductible donations for its clients in all states across the nation, and helps co-ops reach their respective fundraising goals and expand their presence within their communities.

Our 40th Anniversary Campaign launches in December with a goal of raising $75,000 to support our work. Thanks to early support from National Cooperative Bank, the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, and several other friends and supporters, we’ve already raised $47,000 toward this goal. We deeply appreciate your support to allow us to plan boldly for 2026 and beyond. Find our 40th Anniversary Campaign page here.

What We Do Best

• Fiscal Sponsorship for Co-op Fundraising
• Cooperative Startups and Education
• Cooperative Business Development
• Cooperative Capitalization
• Senior Housing Cooperatives
• Cooperative Local Foods Systems

How can we help you?
Contact Us.

Here’s our primer for starting a co-op:

Download our Co-op 101 Tutorial.