Launching the Cooperative Sustainability Fund

What is this for? Projects that have a clearly defined scope in which no pro bono org or individual exists in NYC.

• Mediation of a specific conflict
• Accountant for tax prep
• Lawyers
• HR Support
• Marketing Strategy and Branding
• Startup Support
• Improving/Set up Client Relationship System (sales, invoice, operations)
• Improving customer service analysis
• Internal Coop Training (Principle 5)
• Other – another project can be proposed with a clearly defined scope

Each cooperative can ask for a grant of no more than $1,500.  Our total budget for this fiscal year is $8000. NYC NOWC staff and board will review applications and award projects that meet all the requirements on a first come, first serve basis.  

Application: Some potential application questions:

• What is the challenge you are trying to solve with this consultant?
• How will this consultant solve this challenge?
• What is your follow up plan after the consultant to make sure the project has long-lasting effects?
• Will you need this type of consultant again?  How are you creating space in your budget for future years for this future need?
• Have you identified a service provider you would like to work with?  Have you already received a quote?

Qualifications and Priorities:  

• These grants can be accessed by:
  • Any worker coop that is a NYCNoWC member, a startup or an operating business, and is not a participant in the Coop Accelerator Program (CAP)
  • Cooperatives can only re-apply for this grant after 2-3 years.  Cooperatives cannot re-apply for the same need in the future.
  • Cooperatives that have a follow-up plan and create room in the budget for future years if this will be a recurring need
• Priority will be given to:
  • Needs that are not filled by other service providers or principle 6 providers (Bookkeeping (ABC) , Website Support (Glocal), Printing (Radix), Screenprinting (Luv Custom Prints).
  • Cooperatives that are not currently supported by a developer

Process:

1. Applicants fill out Application – Feel free to reach out if you have questions/need support to fill out this application
2. NYCNoWC Staff reviews application
3. NYCNoWC staff schedule a conversation with participants
4. If approved, Applicants fill out MOU for grant.  
5. Applicants negotiate the terms with participants. NYCNoWC will do our best to make references where we can, but applicants have control over their own hiring.
6. NYCNoWC hires/pays the consultant directly, with approved contract
7. Applicants fill out report back form no later than 1 month after contract.  We want to hear how it went! If your consultant is good, we will recommend to others.  It will also be helpful to know if they were not a good fit and concerns that came up during the process.  
   1. Some sample questions on the feedback form
      1. Was the consultant useful?  Do you have any feedback for them?
      2. What did you learn?
      3. Did this consultant fulfill the need you originally applied for?
      4. What is your follow up plan?
      5. Will you need budget for this in the future?  How will you make room for that?
8. NYCNoWC staff and applicant will have a follow up call about how it went.  

Questions?  Contact Pablo@nycworker.coop.