Explore the idea of cooperative land trusts and collective ownership models through two real-life examples: NASCO Properties and the newly formed Michigan Community Land Cooperative. This innovative model has both incredible potential for growth and expansion in the cooperative movement as well as a proven point of success where it has been attempted already.
by Maggie O'Connor; Rowan Price
Incorporation is the process of taking your idea of a co-op and making it into a legal entity that can own property, take out loans, and enter into contracts. But there are often many choices that can stymie a group's progress: Corporation or LLC? Which tax-exemptions do we want? We will discuss the why and how of incorporating a co-op, with particular attention to creating bylaws for new organizations.
Presentation by West Foster
Session materials from the Creating a Co-op Course Track at NASCO Institute 2024.
With the cost of living constantly on the rise, the demand for affordable housing solutions—like housing co-ops—is greater than ever. NASCO has pulled together a team of experts to take future co-op founders through the process of starting a new housing co-op, from clarifying the initial concept to drafting your business plan. Workshops in this series provide a comprehensive, step-by-step training program on the development process.
Session materials from “The impact of Direct Federal Loans to Student coops in the 60s-80s AND why we should lobby for more!” presented by Brian Donovan and Jared Katzman at NASCO Institute 2024. Brian and Jared presented research done for CCDC about co-ops that received funding through the College Housing Loan Fund, what they used the funds for, and make the case for lobbying in DC when the new administration is getting started. We will discuss what we should request and sign up interested co-ops and members to make the trip in early 2025.
This short video created by Nitin Gadia outlines the basics of starting a group equity housing cooperative.
This guide, which was shared with NASCO, discusses tips and tricks to make your home wheelchair accessible. You can read the full article here.
Below, are the recordings for NASCO Institue 2020 sessions by room. Please share lessons learned with your cooperatives and communities.
If you did not register for NASCO Institute and you'd like to support free and low-cost cooperative education, please consider contributing a donation amount that feels appropriate for you and/or your cooperative. Your donation makes it possible to offer cooperative education materials and resources free of charge. DONATE HERE.
Presentation on accounting and taxes for start-up food co-ops, led by Bruce Mayer of Wegner CPAs for the Food Co-op Inititative.
