Division of Extension
Eligible Projects The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives is inviting proposals to receive $5,000-$25,000** to fund development of Wisconsin-based cooperatives or cooperative groups (e.g. associations, networks, informal collaborations) in these areas: Eligible Applicants* Recipients of these funds are limited to: *Please note that in previous years UW/County Extension offices were encouraged to apply. Given […]
A board committee charter is a simple document that defines a committee’s purpose, authority, responsibilities, membership, and how it operates. It helps ensure everyone understands the committee’s role and how it supports the board.
Committees help cooperatives share leadership, engage members, and focus attention on important areas of the organization. From launching a new co-op to supporting an established one, committees draw on member skills and perspectives to strengthen governance, planning, and participation.
The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) helps groups, businesses, organizations, and communities develop strong cooperative solutions. We provide technical assistance, education, facilitation, research, and strategic guidance for cooperative start-ups, cooperative conversions, and existing cooperatives seeking to grow or strengthen their operations. Whether you’re exploring a new cooperative, transitioning a business to employee or […]
CCMA is a collaborative effort, brought to life by planning committee members, host co-ops, countless volunteers and dedicated staff who help shape the conference each year. National Planning Committee The CCMA National Planning Committee is comprised of co-op managers and board members, representatives from cooperative associations, development organizations, financial partners and other various allies. By […]
Considering a cooperative conversion? Learn about the key elements that shape a successful transition, from ownership and governance to financing, member engagement, and business planning. This resource outlines important considerations for business owners, employees, and advisors exploring cooperative ownership as a strategy to preserve local businesses, retain jobs, and build long-term community wealth.
The legal structure of any business defines ownership, control, and earnings distribution. Like other businesses, a cooperative incorporates as a legal entity under state statutes, which provide a framework for governance and operations.
Discover historic photos and stories from our six-decade legacy of strengthening cooperatives and communities in Wisconsin and across the globe. 1960s The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives was founded in 1962 as the International Cooperative Training Center (ICTC). It was inspired by the Humphrey Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which was […]
In 2025, the UW Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) fulfilled our mission of delivering collaborative, innovative, and research-informed programming to help people start and sustain cooperatives that meet the needs of communities in Wisconsin and beyond. During times of social and economic change, many groups turn to cooperatives as a solution, and this year was no […]
A menudo se citan ciertas características comunes que influyen en el desarrollo exitoso de una nueva cooperativa. Las cooperativas nuevas que tienen éxito:
