About the Fund

Through solidarity finance, we work in partnership to unite cooperatives across the globe in a shared vision to address humanitarian crises, promote peace, and build economic resilience through international cooperative development and trade.

The Fund for International Cooperative Development (FICD) is a member-led solidarity fund that raises and distributes cooperative finance to support international cooperative development, crisis response, and long-term resilience.

  • Member-led:

Our Fund is built entirely through member contributions, financial or in-kind, from cooperatives of all sizes and sectors. These resources are then allocated democratically by members to support cooperatives impacted by conflict, disaster, or systemic barriers, and to invest in cooperative development, trade, and infrastructure.

  • Solidarity not Charity:

FICD is not a traditional grant-making body. Every financial contribution comes from our members, and every decision about how resources are used is made by them. This is a cooperative system for redistribution and mutual aid, governed collectively by contributing cooperatives. By joining, each member helps decide which projects are supported and how we build a more inclusive and democratic global movement.

Vision

To grow and sustain a global cooperative solidarity fund, created, governed, and strengthened by members , that mobilizes resources to support cooperatives everywhere, especially those facing conflict, disaster, or systemic barriers. Through collaboration and mutual aid, we aim to build a fair, inclusive, and people-centered economy for a better world.

Purpose

We aim to:

  • Respond swiftly to humanitarian emergencies affecting cooperatives
  • Support cooperative communities, for longer term development.
  • Strengthen cooperative ecosystems through trade, education, and movement-building

We strive to:

  • Facilitate Economic Growth: Provide financial and technical assistance to help cooperatives trade, building resilient, food secure inclusive economies.
  • Strengthen Post-Crisis Recovery: Aid in the rebuilding and development of cooperatives during post-crisis recovery phases.
  • Support Crisis Response: Deliver immediate humanitarian assistance to areas affected by conflict and natural disasters, through cooperatives and cooperative infrastructure organizations.
  • Build Partnerships: Establish strong partnerships with cooperatives, governments, and other stakeholders to enhance our collective efforts.
  • Promote Co-operative Principles: Uphold the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
  • Encourage Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the cooperative sector.