Financing

One of the most difficult parts of establishing and maintaining a co-operative is the financial elements. This section contains information related to financial mechanisms in different countries which can be used by developing countries in their work.

Financing Housing Co-operatives in a Credit Crunch

Financing the development of housing co-operatives is a challenge and more so in time of financial restrictions and uncertainty.

ICA Housing Members discussed the issue during the Seminar held in November 2009 in Geneva. Five presentations were made by ICA Housing members showing interesting and innovative initiatives.

Also included is a presentation made by Ancab - Legacoop at the Cecodhas meeting in September 2009.

Impact of the financial crisis on housing coops in Europe - Hachmann

Leveraging assets to reduce borrowing costs - David Rodgers

The effects of recession on Canadian housing co-operatives - Nick Gazzard

Combination of a Housing Coop with a Saving Institution - Franz-Bernd Grosse-Wilde

SVW - Stephan Schwitter

National Italian Housing plan - Luciano Caffini

Leveraging assets to reduce borrowing costs presentation

PowerPoint presentation from David Rodgers concerning leveraging assets to reduce borrowing costs - experience from CDS Co-operatives in the UK.

Click here for David Rodger’s presentation

National Co-operative Housing Union Housing Finance Products Presentation

The Kenyan National Co-operative Housing Union presents a PowerPoint presentation on their Housing Finance Products.

Click here for the Kenya Housing Finance Products Presentation.

ILO launches new grant scheme to promote co-operatives in Africa

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) announced the launch of the CoopAfrica Challenge Funds to support projects up to US$150,000. Co-operative organisations, institutions that provide technical expertise for co-op development and co-operative training institutions will be eligible to apply. The deadline for the first call for proposals is 15 June 2008. See description of funds or contact coopafrica@ilo.org.

CoopAfrica is a partnership programme implemented by the ILO and funded by the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) to support the development and promotion of co-operatives in Africa. Partners include ICA, UK Co-operative College, International Trade Union Confederation, COPAC, and the African Union.

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor Microfinance Services

CGNAP is the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, a consortium of 33 public and private developement agenices working together to expand access to financial services for the poor, referred as microfinance. Click here to read more.

Micro-finance: Solutions for Housing Conference

In June, 2007 the ICA Housing Committee and Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada presented a symposiom, reception and local co-op housing tour in Vancouver, Canada.