Coopfond manages the mutual fund for cooperative promotion. The fund is financed by 3% of the annual profits of Legacoop cooperatives, residual assets from cooperatives in liquidation, and its own management profits.
Founded in 1992 in accordance with Law No. 59, Coopfond operates as a joint-stock company with a capital of 120,000 euros, exclusively owned by Legacoop Nazionale. Subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Economic Development, Coopfond promotes cooperation in compliance with the values and principles that have driven the global cooperative movement for over 170 years, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives
Coopfond is committed to strengthening the national cooperative network, supporting initiatives that stimulate technological innovation, increase employment, and promote development in Southern Italy (Mezzogiorno), as provided by founding Law 59/92.
Coopfond supports the creation and growth of new cooperatives, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, ensuring that the expansion of cooperation respects local characteristics and cooperative principles.
Coopfond selects reliable partners to invest in innovative sectors, ensuring the effective and transparent management of the fund.
Coopfond promotes projects that strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability of cooperatives associated with Legacoop.
Coopfond finances development projects: investments in innovation and sustainability projects, mergers and acquisitions between cooperatives, and provides technical support and consultancy to cooperatives.
In crisis situations, Coopfond provides support to cooperatives to overcome difficult periods and reposition themselves within the market.
What Coopfond does?
Key Initiatives
Coopstartup.
For new cooperatives
Since 2013, Coopfond has spearheaded the Coopstartup program to support the birth of new, innovative cooperative enterprises. Through this program, which includes various local projects, 3,949 people have been involved, and 72 business projects were transformed into cooperatives by early 2021. Open calls can always be found on the Coopstartup program website. In addition to regular calls, Coopfond also launches specific initiatives, such as the Futura 1 and Futura 2 calls in 2020 to support the liquidity of small and medium-sized cooperatives, and Coop 2030 to promote sustainability transition projects.
Coopstartup Bellacoopia.
Cooperatives of the future
This is an educational journey focused on cooperative culture for high school students in Emilia-Romagna. The program aims to develop students’ entrepreneurial awareness through the simulation of cooperative businesses, focusing on themes such as innovation and sustainable development. Participants receive support in creating and developing cooperative business ideas, with guidance provided through all stages of business creation. The project relies on collaboration between Legacoop tutors and schools, utilizing a network of internal and external resources, creative and collaborative communication tools, and a regional network of contacts to stimulate interaction between students and local cooperatives. Since 2000, the program has involved over 19,000 students and contributed to the creation of over 1,000 virtual cooperative projects, with approximately 45 schools participating each year. Bellacoopia pathways are co-financed by the Emilia-Romagna Region (L.R. 6/2006).
Why Coopfond's Action is Important
Supporting cooperatives is fundamental to building a fairer and more sustainable economy. This makes Coopfond a crucial pillar for the progress and resilience of the Italian cooperative movement.
Promotes the dissemination of cooperative values and strengthens the socio-economic fabric.
Incentivizes innovative projects that improve the competitiveness of cooperatives and contributes to the creation of a solid, interconnected cooperative network.
Invests in projects that reflect the values of the cooperative movement, positively influencing local and regional economies and strengthening the cooperative community as a whole.
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