Mountain Valleys
Resource Conservation and Development Council
The acronym "RC&D" is short for Resource Conservation and Development. RC&D is a unique process that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. Local RC&D Councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, concerns, opportunities, and solutions.
RC&Ds were established in the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowered rural people to help themselves. The focus on local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government.
Can Anyone be Involved in RC&D?
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Yes. ANYONE...
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Your local RC&D offers many opportunities for you to get involved and make things happen. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or the country; or if you are a business owner or a housewife; there's always a place for you in RC&D. They are constantly seeking private citizens, businesses, and organizations to become members of committees or to participate in planning projects, identifying priorities, or just helping with one activity.
If you are presently involved in a community project, seek out the RC&D. They may be able to provide you with technical assistance or funding, or put you in touch with private and public organizations which can help you reach your goals. You may want to consider working with the RC&D to start new projects in your community or region.
How is an RC&D Organized?
An RC&D covers several counties. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. Sponsors make application to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture for authorization. Once authorized, the USDA is committed to providing both financial and technical assistance.
RC&Ds can increase or decrease in size. New counties may join or charter counties may decide to go with other RC&Ds. USDA must approve requests for expansion.
Who are the RC&D Sponsors?
The local Board of Commissioners and the Soil and Water Conservation District's Board sponsor each RC&D Council locally and voluntarily in each county. Sponsors can also include cities and towns, townships, civic organizations, regional planning bodies, local non-profit organizations, Indian tribal bodies, and others.
Sponsors are active in the RC&D and appoint qualified representatives to serve on the Council to represent their interests. Sponsors provide input into the Council's plan of work through their representative.
What is an RC&D Council?
RC&D Councils in North Carolina are non-profit, tax-exempt organizations within the state and are 501(c)(3) entities by Internal Revenue Service determinations. This standing makes them eligible to secure grant funds from private foundations and others, to receive private individual donations, to become holders of property, etc., as allowed by their by-laws.
RC&D Councils are made up of people just like you, who want a better life for themselves, their children, and future generations. RC&D Council representatives and alternates are volunteers who assist the RC&D.
Each RC&D Council operates independently, addressing the concerns and problems within their RC&D area. However, RC&Ds are more than willing to share ideas and information to keep others from reinventing the wheel.
Do RC&D's Receive any Funding?
An authorized RC&D receives funding from the USDA through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS provides for a full-time coordinator to work with the Council to identify problems, establish goals and objectives, build strategies and implement plans. They also provide for a part-time assistant, office space, and some equipment and supplies.
Other sources of funding and operating expenses come from:
applying for grantsworkshop registration feesselling publications/materialsfund raisersprivate foundationsendowment fundssponsor or member duesNon-dollar, in-kind (technical and labor) assistance is also received from NRCS and other USDA agencies, SWCDs, and DENR.
What Type of Assistance does an RC&D Provide for a Project?
RC&Ds identify agencies or organizations that can assist in completing each step of the project plan, to serve as sources of technical assistance and to provide financial resources if needed. RC&Ds provide the vehicle for achieving a goal and completing projects. However, a project is not an "RC&D project" in the sense that an RC&D does everything. Local leadership and support are key elements for any successful project.
Types of assistance available include:
| identifying potential funding sources |
serving as an umbrella organization for new non-profits and foundations |
| working with grants |
coordinating technical assistance |
| serving as a conduit for "pass-through" grants
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conducting research |
| helping with grant administration |
coordinating mailings |
| organizing events |
conducting information campaigns |
| hiring multi-county employees |
conducting tours and educational events |
The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the Council's wishes.
