The National Association of Building Co-operatives (NABCo) is the representative, promotion and development federation serving the Co-operative Housing Movement in Ireland.
Formed in 1973 by representatives of local housing co-operatives, the Association is jointly owned by its affiliated members as a co-operative of co-operatives and is the oldest federation of housing organisations in Ireland.
The membership of the Association comprises affiliated local housing co-operatives and district/area co-operative housing societies involved in the provision and management of rental and ownership housing. This includes the management and upkeep of housing estates and apartment buildings.
The policies and business affairs of the National Association of Building Co-operatives are conducted by a management committee (board of directors), consisting mainly of representatives of the affiliated co-operative housing societies, with the support of the general secretary and other staff.
The National Association of Building Co-operatives (NABCo) Society Ltd. is legally incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts with not-for-profit objects or aims. These are mainly concerned with the relief of housing needs for community benefit using co-operative organisational principles.
In addition to its national representative role, NABCo provides a range of information, advice, training, development and other support services for housing co-operatives.
The Association also has approved status under the 1992 Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and is recognised by the Revenue Commissioners as being formed for charitable purposes.
Affiliation to the National Association of Building Co-operatives is open to not-for-profit bona fide co-operative housing societies or associations which have as their primary aims the relief of housing needs and the provision and management of housing for the benefit of members and their communities. Affiliated co-operative housing societies are organised in accordance with co-operative principles and follow guidelines for management and governance standards provided by the Association.