The Keystone Development Center is dedicated to providing high-quality technical assistance and support services as well as research and ecosystem development services to people interested in establishing cooperatives, existing cooperatives, and our partners in the region. Here are the different ways that we get paid.

Directly – ​Fee for Service

The Keystone Development Center provides technical assistance on a fee-for-service basis to businesses that can pay. Our experienced team of consultants provides a variety of intensive technical assistance services. KDC’s rates are reasonable and we often offer discounts to nonprofits and start-up groups. Please fill out a request for assistance if you would like more information.

Pro Bono

In some cases we have access to funding that permits us to provide our services free of charge.  The client must meet eligibility criteria including need, geographic location, and type of business. We receive funding from a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) that benefits rural populations. We also receive funding from USDA for Socially Disadvantaged Groups (SDGG) in rural areas. We seek funding for Underserved Farmers and Ranchers in both rural and urban areas. And we receive support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Please fill out a request for assistance to initiate the eligibility process.

Grants

We help clients identify funding sources to receive support from KDC or otherwise advance their project. For existing clients, we may assist by contributing content for and reviewing grant proposals. Please fill out a request for assistance if you would like more information.