By Colin Teague – 10/30/2025 

How to Support Local Cooperatives in Philadelphia’s “Year of Cooperatives” 

For a long time, Philadelphian’s have known their city as one that looks out for its own, whether by fanatically cheering on our sports teams, volunteering in our communities, or steadfastly committing to shopping at local businesses.  

Given Philadelphians’ emphasis on community and growing their local economy, it makes sense that there are nearly 200 cooperatives operating in Philadelphia (PACA). In February of this year, through a city council resolution, Philadelphia became the first U.S. city to align with the United Nations in declaring 2025 an official “Year of Cooperatives” (ncbaclusa.coop). The resolution signals the city’s commitment to support the development of local cooperatives. 

While the “Year of Cooperatives” designation has been mostly symbolic thus far, the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) joined several local cooperatives in advocating for City Council to include $1.3 million in funding for cooperatives in the 2026 city budget (PACA). It remains to be seen whether this funding will be included in the final 2026 budget, which proposes to earmark $1 million for direct grants to cooperative organizations and $300,000 for technical assistance. If you live in Philadelphia, you can support the inclusion of this funding for cooperatives in the 2026 budget by contacting your city councilperson. 

You can also support the growth of cooperative organizations in Philadelphia in your day-to-day life – here’s how: 

Join and Buy from Cooperatives 

Support cooperatives through your own consumer decisions! Cooperatives provide just about any good or service imaginable, from groceries to accounting to yoga classes. Visit the PACA website or do your own research to find a Philadelphia-based cooperative that fits your needs or interests. 

Donate or Volunteer 

Many cooperative organizations have small operating budgets, and some are designated nonprofit organizations. Donations are one way to support the development of local cooperatives. Another form of giving to cooperatives is volunteering, especially if you can provide pro-bono services like legal help, accounting, design, or technical services. If you feel you have ample skills to contribute to a cooperative, you may also consider joining a board of directors. 

Start a Cooperative Business 

While being a founder is not for everyone, starting a cooperative is an ethical, stable, and relatively simple way to start a business for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. According to Corey Reidy, Cooperative Development Director at PACA, “co-ops in the U.S. are two-thirds more likely to succeed and 14% more profitable compared to the average company” (Grid Magazine). Learn more about forming your own cooperative in this month’s issue of Grid Magazine. 

Spread the Word 

It may sound simple, but talking to your friends, colleagues, and community members about cooperatives can have a significant impact. Many are not aware that they can support a local, community-owned organization through something as ordinary as buying groceries or signing up for classes. The more people choose to support cooperatives through their daily choices, the more powerful they become, and the more democratic, equitable, and independent Philadelphia’s loca