Excerpts from the report Preface: The organization and development of new cooperatives demand substantial amounts of capital. In nearly all instances, the required capital exceeds the initial equity capital that members are able to generate. Consequently, new cooperatives are forced to secure additional capital from outside sources. The major purpose of this publication is to present basic information needed by persons seeking to organize and obtain financing for new cooperatives as well as by lending institutions assisting them. The publication also outlines the preparation of key documents, their significance in obtaining financing, and the sources of credit.