Since 1999, Keystone Development Center (KDC) has experience providing technical assistance to cooperative enterprises and startups. With a renewed sense of commitment to our cooperative community, cooperators can join KDC in building a lasting bridge to and from the Mid-Atlantic regions cooperative ecosystem one limestone, keystone and bedrock at a time.

Membership in KDC provides exponential value. Supporting KDC as members will ensure your cooperative becomes and remains successful. There is power in numbers and a united Mid-Atlantic region will enhance your ability to successfully start, grow, and operate your cooperative enterprise. We look forward to your engagement!

Benefits of Membership:

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​Education
KDC provides engaging educational opportunities to start, grow, and operate your cooperative enterprise. Topics range from learning introductory principles in our Co-ops 101 seminar, to securing your members financial future, succession planning and more! KDC’s members can count on being prepared cooperators ready to navigate the nuances of operating a cooperative enterprise.
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Advocacy
Membership will connect you with a group of grassroots mobilizers working to educate local, state, and federal policy makers about cooperative enterprises. Becoming a member will keep your finger on the regional and national cooperative pulse and maintain an invaluable connection to policy which could hurt or harm your ability to operate your cooperative enterprise. You can also expect opportunities to meet with your representatives, write or sign opinions pieces, and quickly mobilize with your peers in the wider cooperative ecosystem.
Cooperative Development
KDC offers in depth, one-to-one, technical training to you and your key cooperative stakeholders. Whether you are starting a cooperative or have challenges along the way, KDC’s members receive exclusive member pricing on our suite of hands-on training programs. Some sample trainings include:
  • How to Assess the Feasibility of your Project;
  • Steering Committee Formation and Functions;
  • Board Leadership Development & Governance;
  • Developing A Succession Plan;
  • And more!
Additional Benefits
  • Join the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Taskforce
  • Participate in Networking Events
  • Present your latest innovation to your peers, and more!

How Can I Engage KDC?

Who Can Join?
  • Individuals – ANYONE with a connection to one or more cooperative enterprises.
  • Co-ops – Small to large cooperative enterprises.
  • Association of Co-ops & Non-profits – 501c3 (6) or (7) organizations with professional connections to the cooperative ecosystem.
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Who Can Give?
Anyone who supports the development, growth and success of cooperative enterprises in the Mid-Atlantic region. You can support KDC’s:
  • Cooperative Leadership Fund;
  • Economic Diversity Fund;
  • Cooperative Development Fund.

​Who Can Sponsor?
Any incorporated business that provides or seeks to provide services to cooperative enterprises.

Engagement Options

Bridge Building Members
  • Limestone – $100 (An individual member of a co-op)
  • Keystone – $300 (A small to mid-sized co-op)
  • Bedrock – $500 (A large co-op or association of co-ops)
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Annual Giving Tree
(Supports Scholarships & Special Programming)
  • Pine – $100
  • Ash – $250
  • Oak – $500
  • Maple – $1,000
  • Other Amount
Your donation can be designated for Cooperative Leadership, Economic Diversity, and/or Cooperative Development Funds.

Business Sponsors Metals
  • Copper – $500
  • Iron – $1,000
  • Titanium – $2,000

Why Join KDC?

KDC is the foremost educator, developer, and advocate for cooperative enterprises in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Our Impact:
  • 214 community owned businesses or start-up ventures served
  • 38 groups secured $2.3 million in grant funding beyond the RCDG Grant
  • 42 feasibility studies completed
  • 17 business plans and 4 marketing plans provided
  • 31 focus groups conducted
  • 20 member/consumer surveys completed
  • 38 co-ops incorporated with policy and legal guidance completed
  • 30 sets of bylaws for our clients developed
  • 48+ groups received extensive educational and training presentations
  • New Service: 9+ groups were assisted through other services ranging from Leadership Development to IT Support

People Are Saying...

KDC’s assistance with the development of our renewable energy investment cooperative has been crucial for our group’s forward progress.  We are especially thankful for the organizational development assistance that made our startup possible. We see KDC as an important partner as we continue to move forward in our maturity process.​
-Jack Barnett Board Chair & President Clean Energy Co-op Inc.
It has been a great pleasure working with KDC in the formation of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative (MARC). Currently, Mid-Atlantic Food Banks face challenges in logistically managing all of the excess produce available in the region. The MARC facilitates a centralized solution for these Food Banks to be able to combine our buying power, cooperate on sourcing strategically and capture this high-quality, desirable produce. This ambitious, transformative initiative would not be possible without the indispensable expertise of KDC. 
-Jenny Waxberg, City Harvest Associate Director, Procurement & Logistics MARC Task Force Member
I wish to express appreciation for Keystone Development Center’s (KDC) work. We are grateful to KDC for supporting our efforts to create a farmer cooperative to aggregate and distribute local farm food to area schools, institutions and other businesses, and in the process helping to create a sustainable and equitable local food economy by strengthening local purchasing practices. 
​-Diane E. Staz Food Hub Coordinator