Non-discriminatory membership open to all who are able to benefit from and assume the responsibilities of membership.
Cooperative Toolkit
Free Development Resources
Welcome to the Board: Cooperative Board Orientation Packet
DownloadCooperative Board Meeting Agenda Template
DownloadCooperative Board Minutes Template
DownloadCooperative Principles
Because co-ops are member-owned, there is a much greater focus on democracy, providing assistance, open communication, and transparency than in other business structures. All cooperative businesses strive to follow these principles.
Members own and govern the cooperative by actively participating in setting their policies and making decisions. All co-ops operate under the guidelines of one member, one vote.
Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative either through purchasing memberships or via equity campaigns.
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations, which are controlled by their members.
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, directors, and staff so that they may effectively run the cooperative. They inform the public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together.
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Case Studies
Past Case Studies
- 2019- We’re Team Farm – Cooperative Farmers Markets in Western Montana: A Case Study of the Polson Farmers Market and Hamilton Farmers Market Co-ops
- 2018- From Seed to Seed: A Case Study on Triple Divide Organic Seeds Cooperative
- 2017- Building a Local Poultry Economy: A Case Study on the Montana Poultry Growers Cooperative and the Cooperative, Small-Scale Poultry Processing Facility
- 2016- Farm to Healthcare in Montana: Lessons Learned
- 2013- “Local is Delicious,” But It’s Not Always Easy: A Case Study of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative
- 2013- Perspectives of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative: A Supplementary Case Study of Food Producers in Western Montana
- 2007- Building a Better Local Food System: A Case Study of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative
Get In Touch
If you’re interested in forming a cooperative or have questions about how we can assist your co-op, reach out to our Cooperative Development Team.
Charlie Michel
Cooperative Development Center Director
Blake Lineweaver
Cooperative Development Outreach Manager
406-676-5927
