Making Things Happen

"Making things happen!" That's what the Little Colorado RC&D does. We are a grassroots non-profit organization whose leadership comes from sponsors like local and tribal governments. Our service area includes Southern Navajo and Apache Counties.

Organizational Profile

"Making things happen," is what the Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Little Colorado RC&D) is about. The Little Colorado RC&D is organized as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation in Arizona. The Little Colorado RC&D Council serves as a forum to address local issues, coordinate technical and financial assistance programs, and brings together diverse stakeholders for the planning and development of natural resources.

The decision making body, called the Council, determines the social, economic and environmental problems and issues relevant to the east-central Arizona service area. The Council does this with assistance from local, state, and federal agencies, and other organizations. The Little Colorado RC&D service area includes Southern Navajo and Apache Counties. We believe grassroots leaders can effectively solve issues affecting their communities’ problems. The Little Colorado RC&D brings diverse groups together to collaboratively solve mutual problems. Through these partnership we bring additional resources to our service area.

History

The Little Colorado RC&D was organized in 1971 to address the conservation and development of natural resources. During the early years emphasis was placed on water resources and soil erosion projects. More recently, the Council has placed a higher priority on community and rural economic development with sustainable natural resource based industry. The mission statement and goals reflect the new direction the Council is pursuing.

Mission

TO SUPPORT PARTNERSHIPS PROVIDING LEADERSHIP IN NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN EAST-CENTRAL ARIZONA COMMUNITIES. 

Goals

• COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT- Develop and improve infrastructure and services in rural communities.
• RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-Develop sustainable natural resource based industries.
• CAPACITY BUILDING - Assist local leaders to address rural development issues.
• CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES - Promote conservation, development, and sustained use of land, water, plant, and animal resources.
• HISTORICAL RESOURCES - Protect and develop cultural and historic sites and natural features for recreation and tourism.
• ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES - Promote conservation, development, and sustained use of land, water, plant, and animal resources.

 Accomplishments

Since 1992 the Little Colorado RC&D has sponsored five grant writing workshops training 150 people. This has brought additional resources to meet needs in rural Arizona. Organized the Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership: A collaborative partnership of industry, environmental and government to promote ecological based forest initiatives which serves to promote sustainable forest health, employment and provide opportunities for economic diversification. The partnership brought together the necessary resources to engage Dr. Richard Mirth and Dr. Debra Larson of Northern Arizona University’s College of Engineering and Technology to author a study titled "Potential for Using Small Diameter Ponderosa Pine Resources in Arizona." This study has been the basis for our continued projects.

 Organizational Strengths

The Little Colorado River Plateau RC&D demonstrates strength as an effective grassroots rural development organization, Including addressing problems and opportunities from a multi-county perspective.

One characteristic that distinguishes the Little Colorado RC&D from other rural development organizations is its ability to build partnerships. Solving complex resource issues occurs because individuals or organizations find common ground. These common issues revolve around social, economic and environmental conditions in the community or region. Through this linkage collaboration evolves.

Services

Perhaps the most important services provided by the Little Colorado RC&D is something that does not really appear on the surface. Helping local people get organized, fully evaluating the problem or situation, and advising the local people where they can go for help with their specific problems are key elements to making the program effective. All sources of technical and financial assistance are explored, then a concerted effort is made to obtain the needed assistance to make the project a reality.

Specific services include project planning, meeting facilitation, grant proposal writing, strategic planning, and grant-writing workshops. The Little Colorado RC&D initiates projects consistent with the strategic plan. The Council places a high priority on projects and issues impacting the entire service area. We provide technical assistance to our: sponsors, nonprofit organizations, and concerned citizens when compatible with the Little Colorado RC&D Strategic Plan.

Sponsors and other organizations desiring assistance can make a request in writing to the Council. Projects that can best be addressed by others, or where collaboration is not needed or possible, are referred to other organizations. All programs and services of the Little Colorado RC&D are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.

Organization Structure

The RC&D is a strong grass roots movement. Local people who are willing to work together enables the program’s success. Local people deserve the credit for their dedication to improving their communities. Many times just a little bit of encouragement, guidance or support is needed to get a project going. The Little Colorado RC&D governing body is a Council made up of representatives from 15 sponsoring organizations.

Sponsors include county boards of supervisors, city and town councils, conservation districts, and Native American nations. Sponsors appoint volunteer representatives that make up the RC&D Council.

The Board of Directors is made up of the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and directors. This Board meets frequently to oversee the operations of the Little Colorado RC&D. The primary method assistance provided to sponsors is through action teams.

Community leaders along with stakeholders organize an Action Team to actively address community issues. Leaders with diverse backgrounds join together to collaborate. The Action Team is responsible for implementing activities that address the problem. The Board of Directors signs all contracts and the Treasurer serves as the fiscal agent.

The principal staff members include a coordinator, project director and administrative assistant. The coordinator is provided through partnership with USDA, and functions as the Council's executive director. The project director is responsible for grant writing and keeping projects on time and on budget. The administrative assistant provides support to the coordinator and the project director and handles the general office management duties.

Funding Sources and Budget

Funding for the Little Colorado RC&D comes from three sources: Fifteen sponsors and other organizations contribute annual dues; projects are funded through grants from state, federal and private foundations; and individual and business contributions are accepted. Each year the Council contracts with a certified public account to complete an audit that complies with nonprofit accounting standards. Also, the Council submits to the IRS Form 990.