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What is a Co-operative?
Fact sheet introduction to all-things Co-op.
Excerpt:
Introduction
A co-operative, or co-op, is an organization that is owned by its members. Co-ops are formed when a group of individuals come together to meet a common need - co-ops can provide almost any type of product or service imaginable and can operate either on a not-for-profit or for-profit basis. A co-op operates on a democratic system that specifies “one member, one vote”. This ensures that all members of the co-op have an equal say in how the co-op is run, regardless of how much money they have invested in the co-op or how much they use the services offered.
Glossary and Acronym Listing
OnCoop have developed a list that defines many of the common acronyms, nicknames and short forms that are used in the co-op and credit union sector:
Directors' Liability
Fact sheet explaining Director's Liabilities in the role of a co-operative.
Excerpt:
Introduction
For-profit vs. not-for-profit co-operatives
For-profit vs. not-for-profit co-operatives
Excerpt:
Introduction
The concept of not-for-profit vs. for-profit is one that can often be challenging for groups and organizations when considering a corporate structure for their group. Not-for-profit status can often be confusing because it has a particular connotation related to income tax, which requires filing information with different government departments or agencies than those that apply to for-profit business and the operations of a for-profit business. With co-ops, not-for-profit status is less closely tied to corporate form than for typical not-for-profit corporations, which has practical impacts for groups to consider.
Share capital vs. non-share capital co-ops
Share capital vs. non-share capital co-ops.
Excerpt:
Introduction
Under the Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act, co-operatives have two different forms to choose from when incorporating: with share capital and without share capital. Each structure offers different options and benefits for raising money or carrying on operations. For the most part, this decision will be made based on the purpose of the co-operative and what types of financing are required.
What is the difference between a co-op and a not-for-profit corporation?
What is the difference between a co-op and a not-for-profit corporation?
Excerpt:
Introduction
Co-operatives are a unique type of business model that share some commonalities with both private corporations and not-for-profit organizations but there are some key differences between the three types of organizations in how they are organized and carry on activities. In the case of co-ops and not-for-profit organizations (also called NFP organizations or NFPs), there are some similarities in their structures and in some cases, their tax status, but there are also differences in their organizational setup and how members benefit and are involved.
Co-operative Development Toolkit
FactSheets
The following factsheets provide a general overview and guide to selected topics in co-op development. They are suitable for those people that need to answer a particular question quickly or need a fast overview of a particular topic. These factsheets are also suitable to be distributed in hardcopy as part of a literature rack or as a resource to clients.
