Co-op Organisations
The Organisations Supporting Co-ops
Behind every co-operative movement is a web of organisations that provide support, structure, and strategy.
These platforms help co-ops form, grow, connect, and stay resilient.
This page highlights some of the key players shaping the ecosystem in the UK and beyond.
United Kingdom
Organisations providing support to the United Kingdom
Cooperation Hull
Offers one of the UK’s most widely used legal templates for community-led organisations. Ideal for co-ops focused on housing, land, energy, and more.
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Co-operatives UK
The UK’s national network for co-ops, providing governance guidance, legal support, membership services, and the UK’s main co-op directory.
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Community Shares Unit (via Co-operatives UK)
Supports co-ops using community shares to raise investment. Offers guidance, case studies, and accreditation for ethical community fundraising.
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Locality
Supports community-led organisations across the UK, including co-ops. Offers funding guidance, networking, and resources to help groups secure assets and develop services.
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Co-operative College
A UK education and training organisation dedicated to the co-operative movement. Offers courses, workshops, and research on co-operative models and values.
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Plunkett Foundation
Supports rural communities to set up community-owned businesses, including co-operative pubs, shops, and services. Offers practical support and funding advice.
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Radical Routes
A federation of radical housing and worker co-ops focused on social change. Offers peer support, ethical funding, and educational resources.
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USA
Organisations providing support to the United States of America.
CooperationWorks!
A national network of co-op developers across the USA, Connecting communities with expert support to launch and grow cooperative enterprises. They offer training, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer guidance to help co-ops succeed at every stage.
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Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC)
Provides legal education, resources, and advocacy to support grassroots economic change. They specialise in cooperative law, land trusts, and community resilience, helping people navigate complex legal terrain with clarity and values at the centre.
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ROC USA
Helps residents of manufactured home communities in the US form co-operatives to buy the land beneath their homes. A standout example of co-op housing at scale.
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International
Is the approach cooperative, competitive, individualistic, etc.?
International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
The global umbrella body for co-operative networks. Promotes co-operative values, maintains international standards, and shares global research.
Website:
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