Berendson Academy – Cooperative Education and Support

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Search 1,388 free articles, guides, books, reports, journals, cheat sheets and sample forms for housing cooperatives. Every resource is free to read and download.

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Cover Image Board Orientation Workbook Board Orientation Workbook

Directors require access to documents to perform their duties effectively. They must be familiar with the organization, including finances, programs, lines of authority, subsidiary organizations, strategic plan, and governing documents.

Reports  Board Orientation
Cover Image Board Orientation Workbook-Jan-2021 Board Orientation Workbook-Jan-2021

Governing practices and principles can seem awkward to new volunteers. While each person brings their passion and expertise, the duties of governance require a distinct skill set. Governance is influenced...

Reports  Board Orientation
Cover Image Board Recruitment a sample handbook Board Recruitment of a Sample Handbook

A well-functioning Board of Directors is essential for nonprofit organizations not only to meet legal requirements, but also to successfully achieve their goals. It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure...

Reports  Board Handbook
Cover Image Board Responsibilities The Basics Board Responsibilities the Basics

Nonprofit and for-profit corporations are not natural persons, meaning that they have rights and responsibilities but cannot read, write, think, or execute for themselves; corporations need a human group or...

Reports  Board Responsibilities
Cover Image Board Roles & Goals Developing a High Performing Board of Directors Board Roles & Goals Developing a High Performing Board of...

Board orientation is a core competency of the chief paid executive (executive director). The toolkit provides processes and examples to help in communicating the role and responsibilities of volunteer leaders.

Reports  Board Responsibilities
Cover Image Board Roles and goals Board Roles and Goals

The directors owe it a duty of loyalty. The duty of loyalty requires a director to act in the interest of the charity rather than in the personal interest of...

Reports  Board Leader
Cover Image Board Roles and Responsibilities Board Roles and Responsibilities (24-Page Report)

A cooperative is an autonomous association of people united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Reports  Board Responsibilities
Cover Image Board Succession Plans Board Succession Plans

Most executives hope to work for the organization as long as they can be effective. When it comes to the time for transition, it is seldom the sole decision of the...

Reports  Board of Directors
Cover Image Board Tools Board Tools

From the process of commitment to agenda design, there are ways to enhance governance and improve outcomes. Don’t let “we’ve always done it this way” be your mantra.

Reports  Board Tools
Cover Image NAP Body of Knowledge Body of Knowledge – Education and Training in Parliamentary Procedure

A strong, defined base of knowledge, skills, and practice provides a clear solution. The body of knowledge serves as the framework for an orderly approach to parliamentary procedure education, rather...

Reports  Board Roberts Rules
Cover image Bond with your board Bond with Your Board

Each community association board is unique, and so are the needs of its respective communities. Whether you live in a townhouse, master-planned community, or a high-rise, one fact remains the...

Reports  Board Handbook
Cover Image CAI .Board Member Toolkit CAI. Board Member Toolkit

Welcome to CAI. Whether you manage the association yourself or have the assistance of professional management, whether you’re on the board of a condominium or homeowner association or a cooperative,...

Reports  Board Tools
Cover Image Campaign Communications Kit Campaign Communications Kit

Rather than passively accept a future shaped by outside forces, nonprofit and local community leaders came together to define a vision and strategy for change. They set in motion Moving...

Reports  Coop Communication
Cover Image Capital reserve planning A guide for federal-program co-ops Capital Reserve Planning – A Guide for Federal Program Cooperatives

In 1999, CHF Canada published its first edition of A Guide to Replacement Reserve Planning. Since then, the environment for housing co-ops has undergone significant changes. Co-ops are older. Our...

Reports  Coop Finance
Cover image CCC Addressing Housing Affordability Issues CCC Addressing Housing Affordability Issues

Students who face housing insecurity are less likely to engage seriously with their college experience and less likely to complete their course of study. In a survey conducted last year...

Reports  Coop Affordable
Cover Image CCH code of governance CCH Code of Governance

Governance is the task of defining the goals and standards of an organization and ensuring that there are effective management and other structures that will enable the organization to achieve...

Reports  Coop Governance
Cover Image CCMTP Starting a Cooperative Enterprise CCMTP Starting a Cooperative Enterprise

The purpose of this module is to provide a step-by-step guide for those seeking to start a new cooperative. This module is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and individuals who have...

Reports  Board Training
Cover Image CCMTP What is a Cooperative Enterprise CCMTP What is a Cooperative Enterprise

Largely inspired by SIYB, the ILO’s global entrepreneurship and management training program for potential startups and existing small businesses, the ILO has developed a training package on cooperatives that is...

Reports  Board Training
Cover Image chapters leaders handbook Chapters Leaders Handbook

We know you already understand that your position requires support for the education and development of all members within your chapter, as understanding the latest trends and technologies, as well...

Reports  Board Handbook
Cover of City of Evanston Affordable Housing White Paper City of Evanston – Affordable Housing White Paper

The costs associated with housing represent the largest expense for households. The increasing cost of housing is requiring more people to spend an increasingly larger portion of their income on...

Reports  Coop Affordable
Club Leadership Training Session Achieving success as Treasurer Club Leadership Training Session Achieving success as Treasurer

The club is the heart of the Toastmasters program. It provides the environment and support members need to develop their communication and leadership skills. Club officers support the club and...

Reports  Board Training
Cover Image Club Officer Training Treasurer Club Officer Training Treasurer

While many club officers will be content, and even enthusiastic, about their new responsibilities, others may feel uncertain and obligated. Attending the training and fulfilling their roles implies great commitment...

Reports  Board Treasurer
Cover Image Coaching the Board President Coaching the Board President

Having consulted with thousands of nonprofit organizations (associations, chambers, fraternities, and other nonprofit groups), I have compiled the articles that resonate with volunteer leaders.

Reports  Board President
Cover Image Code of Conduct Code of Conduct (6-Page Report)

The code of conduct guides a director in areas such as communication, staff liaison, and taking public positions.

Reports  Coop Conflict Resolution

About the library

What you will find

Our Download Center is a one-stop hub for cooperative knowledge, curated from trusted cooperative and housing organizations. Whether you want research-based insight or practical management tools, it supports informed decisions and effective leadership.

Governance and legal frameworks

Understand your duties, responsibilities and ethical obligations.

Financial and business planning

Learn strategies to keep your cooperative strong and sustainable.

Operations and maintenance

Gain insights into maintaining property value and community trust.

Marketing and member engagement

Explore proven ways to build community participation and satisfaction.

Sector-specific studies

Dive into focused research on housing, agriculture, finance and more.