In closed testing: Parmenas is currently being tested with partner food co-ops and buying clubs.Request early access →
02 · Patronage Dividends · In Closed Testing
How do food co-ops calculate and distribute patronage dividends without weeks of spreadsheet formulas?
In closed testing, Parmenas attributes eligible purchases to each member household throughout the year and calculates each member's patronage dividend at fiscal close, dividing the cooperative's net savings into cash payouts and retained patronage equity according to the board's allocation rules, with a clear statement for every household.
How each role uses Patronage Dividends
01 · Treasurer
Preview and finalize the annual patronage run
Review total member versus non-member patronage sales for the fiscal year.
Preview multiple cash versus retained allocation scenarios for the board.
Post approved allocations to member accounts and export accountant summaries.
02 · Board
Review clear allocation options
Compare how much working capital stays in the co-op under different cash and retained splits.
Approve the fiscal year patronage resolution with complete figures attached.
03 · Members
Read plain-language dividend notices
View year-to-date eligible cooperative purchases in the member portal.
Apply a member's cash patronage credit directly toward their grocery basket at checkout.
Example · Fiscal Year-End Close
Preparing the patronage run in one afternoon instead of three weekends
At the end of the fiscal year, the co-op has $18,400 in net patronage savings attributable to 312 active member households. The treasurer opens Parmenas, selects the fiscal year range, and previews a 25% cash ($4,600) and 75% retained equity ($13,800) split.
Once the board approves the allocation at Tuesday's meeting, Parmenas posts each household's dividend, adds the cash credit to their store balance, records the retained equity in the capital book, and sends bilingual notices.
Each member household's grocery purchases count toward year-end patronage
