National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils

RC&D Councils are 501(c)3 non-for-profit corporations. They are not governmental entities, so the typical policies and constraints of local, state, and federal government programs do not limit the types of issues they address or the means they use. Within their respective areas (typically covering 5-8 counties), RC&D Councils have a high degree of independence to carry out activities that will achieve their most important goals. RC&D Council volunteers are leaders and community stakeholders involved in multiple roles in local government, school boards, churches, and other civic activities. At RC&D Council meetings, they draw from their professional expertise and community connections to determine the needs of their RC&D Council areas, address those needs, and make their communities better places to live, work, and play. Nationwide, over 25,000 volunteers serve on local RC&D Councils. Our programs involve: Youth Engagement Underserved and Beginning Farmers Engagement Farm Bill outreach Urban Ag Initiatives Veteran Farmers Engagement Rural Economic Development Human Resource Development