About our
co-op
Realize Solutions was founded as a co-operatively owned and governed enterprise in 1998 by a diverse group of nonprofits, co-operatives, and social enterprises. Our co-operative structure means that we’re able to connect deeply to the clients we serve and to the values that are important to them, and it ensures that our business is rooted in the needs of our members and community.
How our co-op works
Our members drive our long-term vision and purpose by electing a Board of Directors that governs the co-op. The Board oversees the CEO who is responsible for managing our strategy and operations, and for realizing the overall social and economic goals of the organization. Our focus on making a positive difference in the community is a direct result of our structure of democratic ownership and governance.
Being a co-op means that we are invested in supporting and growing our co-operative community. We are proud to be partners with Vancity and Co-operators who are purpose-driven co-ops that are focused on building a better and more resilient future.
Membership in Realize Solutions is open and voluntary and any purpose-driven organization is welcome to join to take advantage of our member benefits and bring their voice to our governance process.
Proud partners of
Why become a member?
Community Innovation Cash Pool Program (CICPP)
In comparison with other institutions, our partnership with Vancity means that you get a much higher interest rate on all your business accounts. In 2023, the interest rate on our CICPP was close to 5%, earning Realize members an average dollar amount of over $98,000. Learn more about the program.
Rewards
For helping grow our co-op, you will receive a $400 referral reward every time you refer someone new to Realize who is accepted as a member.
Discounts
Get more than 50% off our online, on-demand Realize courses including group discounts; we also offer you discounted insurance rates from Co-operators on home and travel insurance.
Governance
Contribute to our success and impact through voting or serving as a board director.
Member-only events
Network attend our in-person and virtual events and educational gatherings throughout the year to network with and learn from other member-leaders.
“The Realize Community Innovation Cash Pool Program provides PLEA Community Services with a preferable interest rate on all of our bank accounts on a daily basis. The interest we receive supports programs that otherwise would not exist in our community without this partnership.”
Tim Veresh, Executive Director
PLEA Community Services
Making a positive impact
We are proud to be certified by B Corp, Living Wage, and Buy Social Canada. From empowering leaders and organizations, to volunteering, social purchasing, knowledge sharing, and global stewardship, we are committed to strengthening our communities and membership.
Learn more about how we do it in our impact report.
Who can join?
Any purpose-driven organization can join Realize Strategies. Our membership includes organizations across many sectors.
Member investment
Joining Realize Solutions requires a one-time investment in member shares. The number of membership shares required varies according to the size of your organization’s revenue at the time of joining.
Up to $500k Annual revenue
- $150 share investment
- 3 shares
$500k to $1.5m Annual revenue
- $300 share investment
- 6 shares
More than $1.5m+ Annual revenue
- $500 share investment
- 10 shares