A Cooperative Model
The Sankofa Collective operates as a member-owned cooperative. All properties are owned by the Collective, and members participate through governance and shared decision-making rather than individual deeds.
A Cooperative Approach to Ownership
Unlike traditional real estate ownership models, The Sankofa Collective does not assign individual property titles to members. Instead, all assets are purchased and held by The Sankofa Collective, LLC and stewarded collectively in accordance with the bylaws and operating agreement.
Maintain unified control of assets
Protect properties from fragmentation or speculative activity
Prioritize long-term stewardship over short-term outcomes
Ensure decisions are made transparently and collectively
Members participate through membership interests, which provide the right to engage in governance, planning, and long-term decision-making related to Cooperative assets.
Our 4-Step Cooperative Process
1. Identify & Evaluate Opportunities
The Cooperative identifies potential land or property opportunities aligned with its long-term mission. Each opportunity is evaluated for location, affordability, stewardship requirements, and alignment with generational goals.
2. Determine Total Acquisition & Stewardship Costs
Before any decision is made, the Cooperative evaluates the full scope of costs involved—not just purchase price, but also taxes, insurance, maintenance, and long-term stewardship considerations.
3. Collective Member Participation
Members review the opportunity and participate in discussions and voting processes as outlined in the bylaws. Projects move forward only when there is collective alignment and approval.
4. Pool Resources & Steward the Asset
Once approved, members pool resources to acquire and steward the asset collectively. Ownership remains with the Cooperative, and stewardship responsibilities are shared over time through governance and oversight.
Why This Process Matters
This cooperative process reduces individual risk, increases collective capacity, and ensures that assets are acquired responsibly and managed with a long-term perspective.
Rather than relying on individual decision-making or debt, the Collective emphasizes discipline, transparency, and patience, creating a stable foundation for generational ownership.