The dictionary defines synergy as "combined or cooperative action or force" and defines synergism as "the simultaneous action of separate agencies which together, have greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects."

RC&D, which is an acronym for Resource Conservation and Development, is a synergistic relationship between government (USDA-NRCS) and local citizens (the Prairie Rose RC&D Council) to help improve, protect and develop their economic, natural and social resources.  This is done in ways that stimulate the local economy, improve and protect the environment and enhance the quality of life in the rural area.  The Prairie Rose RC&D Council brings people together to assess needs, concerns, opportunities and solutions and provides a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make the communities in the area better places to live.

RC&D: The Program

Congress passed legislation in 1962 that authorized the US Department of Agriculture to provide a program that empowered local, grass roots organizations to help themselves.  The focus of this program was to provide positive direction to effect rural development.  Oversight of the program was given to the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS). 

RC&D: The Council

RC&D Councils are not entities of government; therefore, the usual policies and constraints of local, state and federal government programs do not limit them in the kinds of issues they decide to address or how they decide to do it.  Local people on the Council determine the types of concerns, projects and activities in which they will become involved.  RC&D's tend to take on projects that have not (or cannot) be addressed by other entities such as their federal and state partners.

RC&D Councils are non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as determined by the state and 501(c)(3) non-profit entities as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.  Because they have this recognition, they are eligible to apply for and receive grants from foundations, individuals and corporations.  Depending on each council by-laws; they may receive other gifts such as property, stock, etc.  The donor of such gifts is then eligible to take a deduction on their income taxes up to the limits of their individual situations.

RC&D Council members are made up of people who are interested in improving the quality of life in their communities and other areas where they live, work and play.  These people are interested in investing in the futures of their families, their communities, future generations and themselves and, therefore, volunteer to assist the RC&D.  Each RC&D Council operates independently, addressing the concerns and problems within their RC&D area.  However, RC&D's are more than willing to share ideas and information to keep others from needless duplication of effort.  There are eight RC&D Councils in Missouri.

Members of individual RC&D Councils are determined in the by-laws of each organization.  The Prairie Rose RC&D Council is made up of representatives from the County Commissions, Soil and Water Districts, University Outreach and Extension, the Workforce Development Board, mayors, local non-profits and interested persons who live in the area.  Members are active in the RC&D area and provide input into the Council's plan of work and other council activities.

 RC&D: The Partnership

Once a council applies for assistance from USDA, the Secretary of Agriculture determines what amount of funds are available to assist the applicant.  Many more applications are submitted each year than can be funded.  Upon approval of an application, the USDA authorizes a council to receive technical and financial assistance.  An authorized RC&D receives funding in the form of a technical services grant from the USDA through the NRCS.  The NRCS provides for a full-time coordinator to work with the Council to identify problems and opportunities, establish goals and objectives, build strategies and implement plans.  The USDA also provides for a part-time assistant, office space, vehicle for staff, some equipment and supplies and other technical support.  Soil and Water Districts, State agencies and other Federal agencies occasionally provide other sources of technical support.

Other sources of funding and operating expenses come from: applying for State or Federal grants; workshop registration fees; fundraisers; foundation grants; endowment funds; and gifts to the council.

RC&D Councils provide assistance for numerous types of projects.  They identify agencies and/or organizations to serve as sources of funding or technical assistance if needed.  The RC&D's 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:

The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the Council's wishes.

Within an RC&D, you can do anything the local people want to do as long as it fits within the Council's long range plan and goals for the area.  For example, and RC&D can: