Incorporation

Session materials from the Creating a Co-op Course Track at NASCO Institute 2024.

With the cost of living constantly on the rise, the demand for affordable housing solutions—like housing co-ops—is greater than ever. NASCO has pulled together a team of experts to take future co-op founders through the process of starting a new housing co-op, from clarifying the initial concept to drafting your business plan. Workshops in this series provide a comprehensive, step-by-step training program on the development process.

Below, are the recordings for NASCO Institue 2020 sessions by room. Please share lessons learned with your cooperatives and communities. 

If you did not register for NASCO Institute and you'd like to support free and low-cost cooperative education, please consider contributing a donation amount that feels appropriate for you and/or your cooperative. Your donation makes it possible to offer cooperative education materials and resources free of charge. DONATE HERE.

Chart comparing the Rental, Group-Equity Co-op, Equity Co-op (limited or market-rate), Condominium, and Single Family Home models, from the perspectives of control, finance, and liability.

• Bloomington Cooperative Living (Indiana, 2011)
• CHÜVA - Cooperative Housing at the University of Virginia (Virginia, 2005)
• Cooperative Roots (California, 2006)
• Kalamazoo Collective Housing (

Presented by Daniel Miller (NASCO Staff) & David "Rosebud" Sparer (Herrick & Kasdorf, LLP)

Why do co-ops become legal corporations? What does it take to incorporate? What are the pros and cons of different legal statuses? What does non-profit status do for a co-op, and does your co-op qualify? These resources will help give answers to these questions and more, with specific examples to help your co-op.

These resources were contributed by Attorney David "Rosebud" Sparer as a resource for housing co-op organizers looking to incorporate as a non-profit or a cooperative.

This resource includes several templates for cooperative business plans from actual housing cooperatives in North America. Other references provided are a blueprint for the development process, of which the business plan is a part, and a cooperative business plan presentation given at the 2009 NASCO Institute.

What is a Nonprofit Corporation?

Not-For-Profit: Pros and Cons

Nonprofit Corporation FAQ's