The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) is a national non-profit and social impact partner advancing sustainable, inclusive economies through the co-operative model. We work alongside communities in the Global South to strengthen co-operatives and credit unions through leadership development and capacity building—so they can design and lead their own solutions.
Rooted in shared co-operative values, we help build community-owned systems that reflect local priorities, knowledge, and leadership—ensuring change is led from within, not delivered from outside.
By investing in people and co-operatives, we help build stronger communities, more resilient local economies, and a future shaped by those who live it.
What Makes CDF Canada Unique?
CDF Canada is the only Canadian charity focused solely on international development through co-operatives. We create sustainable, community-led change by connecting co-operative professionals across borders.
Rooted in the Co-operative Model
We believe lasting change comes from within communities, using the co-operative model as a proven approach to foster inclusive, community-led solutions.
Powered by Canadian Co-operative Expertise
We connect global communities with the expertise and experience of Canada’s co-operative sector—bringing practical skills, peer learning, and solidarity to every partnership.
Strengthening a Global Co-operative Network
We help build and connect co-operatives worldwide, creating resilient networks that share knowledge, support growth, and amplify impact across borders.
Using Mentorship to Build Leadership
We invest in people by using mentorship as a catalyst for leadership development—empowering individuals to lead change in their co-operatives, communities, and beyond.
Our Approach: Empowering Communities Through the Co-operative Model
- Enhancing Business Planning and Growth
CDF Canada helps co-operatives generate income. We provide technical assistance to design business plans that increase the value of the cooperative enterprises, working with local partner organizations to help smallholder farmers, traders, and producers. By identifying and responding to market opportunities, supported by research and data, we’re able to establish and strengthen cooperative and credit union enterprises.
- Strengthening Capacity
CDF Canada works with individuals and communities to build their skills and create economic opportunities based on cooperative principles. We mobilize individuals to learn innovative tools, skills, and approaches, including marketing, negotiation, agricultural production, and gender equality framework.
- Enabling Policy and Regulation
CDF Canada works directly with co-operative representatives and government officials to create and improve policy and regulatory environments for credit unions and other financial intermediaries such as farmers and agricultural producers, and micro, small, and medium-sized co-operatives, and enterprises.
- Mobilizing Knowledge and Learning
CDF Canada is a learning organization that continuously improves its work and the work of its partners. We empower our project partners and their co-operative members to identify training opportunities and improve their operational efficiencies. Additionally, we employ a Results-Based Management approach to projects, focusing on outcomes, performance measurement, learning, and adaptation.