Interested in joining NCG? We’ve summarized the key information that established co-ops — those that are already operating retail locations — need to know. More detailed information can be found in our membership background document.
Download our membership background document
Who Can Apply to Join NCG
NCG is a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops. Businesses must be incorporated and operating as a retail food co-op in the United States to apply for membership.
Why Join NCG?
NCG is a co-op founded by co-ops to help them thrive. To support members, NCG functions as both a purchasing co-op and as a development co-op.
Functioning as a purchasing co-op, NCG leverages the collective buying power of our “virtual chain” to secure competitive prices from distributors, vendors and manufacturers. We offer purchasing contracts with UNFI and KeHE, along with promotional programs like Co+op Deals and Co+op Basics, which offer co-op shoppers discounts on thousands of items and competitive prices on staple goods.
As a development co-op, NCG offers consulting services, programs and resources to support retail operations, as well as administrative functions in the areas of talent development, finance, marketing and business technology. We also offer dedicated support for operational improvements and expansion projects.
Member Benefits
NCG member co-ops are entitled to various rights and benefits. These include accessing and influencing NCG’s programs and services, joining peer networks, participating in governance, and receiving dividends when NCG is profitable, as determined by our board.
Member Participation
Active member participation is essential to ensuring we meet members’ needs. Upon joining, each member appoints a Designated Representative (DR) to NCG — typically the general manager — to act on its behalf. DRs sign the member agreement, may run for the board of directors, vote in board elections and other ballot measures, and ensure their co-op meets all membership and program requirements, among other responsibilities.
Financial Requirements
NCG members must invest in NCG’s equity and pay annual dues. The equity investment entails purchasing one $500 voting share of common stock plus base equity calculated at 0.10% of the member’s annual sales volume (and adjusted every three years). When authorized by NCG’s board, surplus from NCG's net earnings each year is allocated to member equity accounts based on their patronage.
Members pay annual dues assessed based on sales volume, calculated as $1,000 plus 0.10% (1/10th of a percentage) of annual sales, and capped at $30,000.
Members may have additional financial obligations based on the programs in which they choose to participate. Members participating in NCG’s national distribution contracts share liability for each other’s purchases through a self-insurance fund managed by NCG.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements of membership for established co-ops cover several areas and co-ops must be able to comply with the terms of NCG’s membership agreement. The full requirements for established co-ops can be found beginning on page 3 of the NCG Membership Background through the link above. Generally:
- Organizational Values and Culture: Co-ops must demonstrate commitment to growth, profitability and continuous improvement, and be willing to align around common business processes, systems and technologies. Co-ops must also commit to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the community, workplace and supply chain.
- Organizational Leadership and Representation: Co-ops must have a general manager or staff member with similar authority in place to serve as designated representative to NCG.
- Financial Management and Reporting: Co-ops must provide budget projections meeting certain financial ratios, maintain a sound capital structure and submit financials regularly, meeting specific reporting standards and criteria.
- Operational Stability and Infrastructure: Co-ops must secure their store location for at least three years and operate with a suitable POS system.
- Board Resolution and Additional Criteria: Co-ops must provide a board resolution authorizing membership and be open to meeting any additional criteria set by NCG management.
Applicants must submit several materials to demonstrate their ability to meet these criteria.
How to Apply
NCG sets membership targets annually. Established co-ops interested in applying for membership should submit their application and supporting materials before one of three application deadlines:
- January 1: NCG’s board reviews applications in April, for an effective member date of May 1
- June 1: NCG’s board reviews applications in September, for an effective member date of October 1
- October 1: NCG’s board reviews applications the following January, for an effective member date of February 1
Co-ops can contact membership@ncg.coop to ask questions about membership and the application process, set up a virtual meeting to talk about membership and application options, and to request an application.