Open Call for Cooperative Development Fund (CDF) – Turkey

The Cooperative Development Fund (CDF) aims to strengthen cooperatives across Turkey, giving priority to those managed by women and those with refugees and migrants among their members or employees.

Designed in alignment with Turkey’s 12th National Development Plan, this program offers specially tailored grants to help cooperatives increase their capacities, expand their businesses, and create sustainable employment opportunities. The program also aims to support activities that will enhance the resilience and life skills of participating individuals. By particularly supporting cooperatives facing challenges, the CDF promotes economic recovery, enhances social resilience, and empowers women leaders. Additionally, the fund encourages innovative and sustainable solutions that support inclusivity and long-term growth.

IOM’s broader objectives include rebuilding essential economic infrastructure, providing financial support to women-led cooperatives, and revitalizing economic activities. The program aims to create new employment opportunities, support sustainable livelihoods, and offer businesses the chance to invest in their futures. Financial grants will be awarded following a rigorous evaluation process based on the cooperatives’ needs, their potential for job creation, and the robustness of their business plans. The CDF aims to provide practical capital support to help these cooperatives grow and enhance their capacity to create meaningful employment.

Funding Information

• The maximum grant available for each cooperative is $10,000.
• Grant funds will be disbursed based on the completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligibility Criteria

• The cooperative must be legally registered in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Kahramanmaraş, or Mardin provinces.
• Although the project application is open to all cooperatives, cooperatives led by women and those with women in executive positions will be prioritized.
• The cooperative must have at least 10 registered members.
• The cooperative must include refugees and/or migrants among its members or employees, or be willing and open to including new refugee/migrant women as partners, members, or employees.
• The cooperative must have been actively operating for at least the last 12 months.
• Only applications directly submitted by the cooperative will be accepted. Applications made through third parties will not be considered.

Additional Selection Criteria for Applicant Cooperatives

• Priority will be given to cooperatives that demonstrate the following attributes:
  • A commitment to increasing the number of members or workers who benefit directly from the cooperative’s activities.
  • An active dedication to social impact, particularly through the inclusion of diverse groups such as people with disabilities and women, or by offering products and services that benefit both refugee and host communities.
  • Production of goods or services that foster unity between refugee and host community members, providing mutual benefits and promoting social cohesion.
  • Adoption of forward-thinking business practices that address climate challenges, including sustainable solutions, green production methods, recycling, the use of renewable energy, and efficient resource management.

Required Documents for Application

• When submitting your application, please ensure the following documents are included:
  • Tax Certificate
  • Co-operative Statute
  • Co-operative Member List
  • Trade Registry Gazette
  • Chamber Registration Document
  • List of Insured Employment Service (If you have)
  • Letter of Tax Debt Status
  • Letter of SGK Debt Status
  • Corporate Tax Return or Annual Income Tax Return

Submission of Required Documents

• Interested cooperatives must submit all the required documents listed above. If specific documents are unavailable, alternative documentation that provides similar information may be accepted at the discretion of the evaluation panel. The panel reserves the right to request additional information, documents, or clarification from any or all applicants as needed.

For more information, visit IOM.