A natural evolution? – Athenaeum
Many entities begin as associations and, over time, consider becoming cooperatives. What does this change involve? When is it appropriate? What are the benefits?
In recent years, many collective initiatives have been born as associations. This model, often linked to culture, education or social action, is agile and accessible to groups that want to organize assembly and without a profit. However, over time, some of these associations are facing the need to professionalize their activity, generate recurring revenue or hire people. At this point, a key question is asked: Should we take the way to the cooperative?
The transition from the association to the cooperative can be natural when the activity of the entity ceases to be punctual or voluntary and has a significant economic, social or labor impact. In this context, the cooperative offers a legal framework adapted to a stable economic activity, with the advantages of maintaining the democratic management and collective values typical of the third sector.
One of the first reasons to take this step is economic sustainability. Many associations that provide services in a professional way are limited by the inability to have staff regularly contracted or to submit to what public tenders. The cooperative figure allows to solve these limitations, while maintaining the social mission.
There are also legal and fiscal aspects that favor change. Cooperatives have their own tax regime, with advantages such as corporate tax bonus, and can access specific financing lines and subsidies for social economy projects. This does not mean that all associations have to be transformed, but in some cases it can be a natural step towards consolidation.
From an organizational point of view, the cooperative allows to establish a clear framework for decision -making, economic management and the participation of workers. In addition, it offers different modalities (cooperative of work, services, mixed …) that adapt to the specific needs of each project.
The change, however, also requires a time of evaluation and preparation. It is not just a legal transformation, but a strategic rethinking: what is our main activity? What people should be part of the new cooperative? How do we guarantee the continuity of the initial mission?
At the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat we have accompanied several entities on this path. Each case is different, but change has often been experienced as an opportunity to give solidity and continuity to very potential projects. Passing to the cooperative does not mean renouncing the associative origins, but to transform them to better face the present and future challenges.
If you are part of an association and you are rethinking your future, contact the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat. We will accompany you in this path of transformation.
