The Cooperatives for Climate grant program, launched by the Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation in 2023, supports farmer-led cooperatives developing climate-responsive solutions through shared ownership and local innovation.

This evaluation assesses the impacts of two rounds of awards from 2023 and 2024. For funders and policymakers, the Cooperatives for Climate grant program offers a proof-of-concept for how place-based investments in cooperative infrastructure may unlock durable, community-driven climate solutions.

The evaluation identified five recommendations to further cooperative development:

• Invest in Technical Assistance
• Develop & Circulate Tools
• Coordinate Grant Opportunities
• Connect Co-ops
• Promote the Cooperative Model

Read the full report