Projects to Enhance the Image of the Cooperative Sector

The Raiffeisen Foundation supports cooperative enterprises and institutions nationwide with grants aimed at enhancing the image and promoting communication of rural cooperatives and their value chains. Projects from the fields of education, vocational training, agriculture, culture, and media are funded, provided they clearly present the function, organization, and sustainable impact of cooperative structures. The program aims to highlight exemplary initiatives and improve the perception of cooperative business models in rural areas. A special focus is placed on embedding sustainability aspects in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals to create long-term impulses for the cooperative sector.

Applications can be submitted informally in writing or electronically on an ongoing basis. Important are meaningful details about the applicant, a concise project description with objectives, methods, and organization, as well as an explanation of why the project serves as an example for other cooperatives. For events, the location, date, duration, and communication measures should be explained; for materials, the content, target groups, and intended use must be presented. A complete financing plan as well as information on other funding sources and previously submitted applications to other institutions must also be included. The funding decision is made after formal review by the board and recommendation by the advisory council. Evaluation criteria include the sustainability relevance, quality of presentation, and exemplary function for the cooperative network.