Wednesday, March 15 is the deadline to submit an application for a Bowers Fund Food Co-op Grant. Administered by the Cooperative Development Foundation, the Bowers Fund strengthens the food co-op community by offering grants for the training and education of food co-op staff, managers and board members.

Cooperatives, cooperative development organizations, cooperative-related groups and groups forming a cooperative—as well as individual members, staff and board members of cooperatives—are eligible to apply.

Bowers Fund Food Co-op Grants are made possible through the Bowers Fund, named after Howard Bowers, who dedicated his life to the consumer cooperative movement. In his five-decade career, he worked for cooperatives across the Midwest, mentored hundreds of food cooperators, and was in large part responsible for reviving the Consumer Cooperative Management Association.

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Since its establishment in 1994, the Bowers Fund has made over $390,000 in grants to support the food co-op sector. While contributions are raised through events at the Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) Conference and other fundraising events, anyone can contribute at any time.

The Cooperative Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation headquartered in Washington, DC. CDF’s mission is to promote community, economic and social development through cooperative enterprises.