Cooperative Development Foundation - Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) Fellowship 2026

📝 About the Fellowship

The Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) Fellowship provides cross-sector leadership development and builds professional networks for new and emerging cooperative leaders and scholars. This 8-month fellowship offers opportunities to:

• Participate in multi-sector programming and events.
• Engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

The program empowers and trains its fellows to build a more inclusive economy in North America. It is open to:

• Current employees or board members.
• Post-secondary students.
• Individuals interested in working for, creating, or leading a cooperative or cooperative organization.

🎁 Benefits

Participants of the CLS Fellowship will receive the following benefits:

• Registration for major cooperative events.
• Travel stipend of $1,000, accommodations, and most meals for two in-person events.
• $30 metro card for DC.
• $600 honorarium.
• Access to an alumni network for ongoing support and collaboration.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CLS Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an emerging leader in cooperatives, credit unions, or mutual insurance (ages 18 - 35).
• Be new to cooperatives (fewer than 5 years of experience in cooperative work).
• Be a current post-secondary student of any age.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 02 February, 2026
• To apply, visit the application portal.

🌐 Additional Information

For more details about the fellowship, visit the Cooperative Development Foundation - CLS Fellowship page.

• Registration for major cooperative events.
• Travel stipend ($1,000), accommodations, and most meals for two in-person events.
• $30 metro card for DC.
• $600 honorarium.
• Access to alumni network for ongoing support and collaboration.