CDF administers revolving loan funds, provides grants, and fosters economic development through the formation of cooperatives.

The organization initially assisted in the development and reconstruction of cooperatives in Europe after World War II.

The Howard Bowers Fund provides scholarships for training the staff and boards of food cooperatives.

United Co-op Appeal, CDF's workplace giving program, raises funds for 18 organizations promoting cooperative development with the support of the Nationwide Foundation.

[3] In the aftermath of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, CDF raised close to $200,000 for economic recovery.