Supporting the Professional Development of Cooperative Communicators

In 1998, CCA established a fund in honor of deceased, longtime member Shirley Sullivan, a senior editor at Southern States Cooperative. The Shirley K. Sullivan Fund offers educational grants to attend professional development seminars or classes and other leadership development activities such as statewide cooperative education, National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), or Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL) programs.

Timeline:

November 1997: Board voted to create a foundation or fund honoring Shirley K. Sullivan.

October 1998: Board voted to house the Sullivan Fund at the Cooperative Development Foundation with trustees representing CCA's interest.

February 2000: Board approved first grant from the Shirley K. Sullivan Fund. The fund can support two grants per year.

Guidelines and Process for Grant Application

1. All active cooperative communicators will be eligible to apply for grants, with preference given those demonstrating a history of or interest in active CCA involvement.
2. Educational programs eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, regional CCA workshops, national cooperative education programs (NICE, GICL, etc.) and other opportunities which advance skill and knowledge in the field of cooperative communication.
3. Grant size and number of grants offered will be based on need, merit, and amount of funding available.
4. Individuals who are awarded grants become ineligible for future funding for five years, with preference given to applicants who have not previously received a grant from the Fund.
5. Upon completion of their education program, recipients shall complete and submit a brief report on the value of their educational experience along with appropriate expense receipts for grant funding to be released.
6. Applications are available here, and will be considered upon submission.
7. Should a recipient be unable to participate in a program for which a grant was received, the Fund will work with the recipient to determine if the grant must be returned or may be designated for an alternative eligible program.

Download Sullivan Fund Grant Request Form

Cooperative Wall of Fame

As part of an on-going effort to build the Shirley K. Sullivan Fund, the CCA Board and Sullivan Trustees established the Cooperative Wall of Fame. Over the years, there have been many that have contributed to promoting the Cooperative way of business. The Wall of Fame is a way for individuals to contribute to the fund in the name of those who have contributed significantly to cooperatives. If you would like to contribute in the name of an individual, please contact the CCA Business Office to make arrangements for a virtual brick to be added to our Wall of Fame.

Other Funding

All profits from the CCA Silent and Live Auctions benefit the Shirley K. Sullivan Fund. Members are encouraged to donate to the Silent Auction to be held June 19 - 22 during the Annual Institute. Download the Silent Auction donation form below and help support the Shirley K. Sullivan Education Fund. Donation forms are due May 31.

Donation Form for Sullivan Fund Auction
(Forms due May 18)