Cooperative Development Foundation board service and engagement opportunity

Are you passionate about working at the intersection of cooperative development, building an inclusive and equitable economy, and advancing approaches to community empowerment and resilience? Interested in serving on a nonprofit board of compelling and committed leaders? The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is looking to welcome its next Board Director for a January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 term. We would love to hear from you!

The mission of CDF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1944, is to build the capacity of the cooperative business community to solve societal challenges, reinforce democratic decision-making, and improve economic opportunities for all. For over 80 years, CDF has utilized cross-sector programming and grantmaking to promote cooperative enterprises.

Today, CDF catalyzes cooperative development and highlights proven strategies; bolsters cooperative leadership development; advances cooperative education, training and research; and builds connections and infrastructure to expand the economic impact of cooperatives at the local, state and regional levels. CDF operates nationally and through robust state and regional partnerships. Through these partnerships, CDF promotes and assists the development of cooperatives and mutually owned businesses; shares effective tools and models; and fosters collaboration for sustained impact.

CDF is seeking individuals who understand shared-ownership models, the governance and financial needs of nonprofits, and/or the power and practice of grantmaking to bring experience, expertise and perspective to enrich the board and advance CDF's mission. The nine-member cross-sector board directs the mission, strategy and goals of CDF; provides financial oversight; ensures legal obligations are met; selects and evaluates the Executive Director; approves grantmaking decisions; and helps broaden the reach of the cooperative business community. The volunteer board meets four times per year, with virtual participation options.  The CDF Board Director Position Description is shared below.

If you are interested, please submit your application here by 5:00 pm EST November 17, 2025.

Apply here

Please note: CDF is only able to accept expressions of interest from people residing in the United States. We are grateful for international interest, but are not able to accept international board directors at this time.

Board Director Position Description

Bylaws: "Each director shall serve for a period of three years or until their successor is elected or appointed and qualified except that, directors can serve no more than three (3) successive terms. Directors may serve additional terms if they have not served for a period of one or more years in between their three (3) successive terms and a new fourth term. This provision will go into effect with the Director terms commencing January 1, 2024, or thereafter, except that the Board by majority vote may waive this limitation at its discretion."

Selection process: "Every two years, the chair shall appoint a Board Officer Nominating Committee comprised of three directors. Nominations for officers shall be submitted by Board members in writing to the Nominating Committee not less than 30 days prior to the Organization meeting. The Nominating Committee will develop a slate of candidates to be voted on at the Organization meeting. Election of Board members shall be conducted at the organization meeting in conjunction with the Annual meeting, unless the Board decides it is more appropriate to elect officers at a different meeting of the Board."

Term: 3 years (2026 - 2028)

Core legal duties and responsibilities

• Duty of Care - Stay informed and make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
• Duty of Loyalty - Avoid conflicts of interest and put the organization's needs first.
• Duty of Obedience - Ensure the organization adheres to its mission and complies with laws and policies.
• Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest - Each director is required to sign a statement acknowledging that he/she has reviewed CDF's conflict of interest policy on an annual basis and must disclose and abstain from voting when a conflict of interest arises.

Responsibilities

• Approve and monitor the organization's strategic direction, plans, and goals. Ensure CDF activities are operated exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes in the field of mutual aid and self-help enterprise, with particular emphasis on cooperatives.
• Hire, support, and evaluate the executive director/CEO.
• Ensure strong financial oversight and approve budgets and major expenditures.
• Understand and monitor financial reports (e.g., budgets, audits).
• Ensure responsible use of the organization's assets.
• Participate in fundraising (for nonprofits) or approve major financial decisions (in corporate boards).
• Help set long-term goals and measure progress toward those goals.
• Provide guidance and oversight during organizational changes or challenges.
• Promote the organization's mission in the community.
• Serve as an ambassador and enhance the organization's public image and credibility.
• Participate in fundraising efforts and where possible, contribute to the organization's fundraising efforts (e.g., Co-op 5K, Cooperative Hall of Fame).
• Leverage personal and professional networks to benefit the organization.
• Help set or revise organizational policies.
• Ensure the organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Attend board meetings regularly and come prepared.
• Serve on committees and contribute actively.
• Participate in board self-assessments and development.