What We Do
The Big Island has continually possessed a need for an organization that supports sustainability, environmental preservation, economic opportunity, and community enrichment. To fulfill this need, Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council (BIRCDC) was incorporated as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization within the State of Hawaii. There are 375 RC&D areas installed and authorized in the United States by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, which covers approximately 70% of the nation.
Our Board is made up of Directors and community representatives from each Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) on Hawaii Island, along with a Mayor’s Representative, and committee chairs. The diversity of our team allows for a wide-range of environmental, natural resource, and cultural concerns or interests to be effectively addressed through the development of projects for public purpose.
Big Island RC&D Council is here to serve individuals or organizations who share a common goal to improve, sustain, and perpetuate the land that we call home. We work to represent and partner with those willing to make a change, primarily by providing fiscal sponsorship. We advocate for others who are doing extraordinary work in our community, but may be excluded by funders because of size, pilot program status, entity type or lack of matching funds. Through an established partnership, we strive to identify a concern, organize a group, event, or program that will address the concern, develop a plan of action, all while simultaneously seeking a funding source.
By doing so, we create stronger infrastructure for a successful program, improve overall outcomes, and give funders the assurance they need, to know their resources are being utilized as promised.
Who We Are
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Aileen Yeh
PRESIDENT
PUNA SWCD DIRECTOR
Aileen Yeh has over 40 years of experience as a horticulturist, plant propagator, forester, and rancher. Born and raised in Hilo, she owns and operates a plant nursery, specializing in native plants that support restoration, reforestation and landscaping projects, as well as plants for timber, windbreaks, and Christmas trees. Her career has focused on cultivating locally grown plants to reduce reliance on imports, and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of plant propagation, nursery practices, and sustainable land management. Aileen enjoys her family, plants and ranching.
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Chris Corley
VICE PRESIDENT
PUNA SWCD AT-LARGE REP
BIO
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John Cross
SECRETARY
KA'U SWCD DIRECTOR
BIO
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Les Takayama
TREASURER
WAIAKEA SWCD DIRECTOR
BIO
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Larry Komata
EX OFFICIO
WAIAKEA SWCD AT-LARGE REP
BIO
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Doug Beaton
HĀMĀKUA SWCD DIRECTOR
BIO
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Glenn Sako
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE
COH R&D AG SPECIALIST
BIO
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Amy Vievard
PROGRAM MANAGER
STAFF
Amy Vievard serves as the current Program Manager for the Big Island Resource Conservation & Development Council. With a background in conservation, restoration, and biology, she has collaborated with a wide range of partners on initiatives throughout Hawai‘i. She is passionate about building relationships and elevating community voices, fostering efforts that connect people to place and nurture sustainable stewardship of all that makes our island home unique.
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Brandi Milare
PREVIOUS PROGRAM MANAGER
Brandi Milare served as the Program Manager for the Big Island Resource Conservation & Development Council for eight years, where she played a key role in securing funding for community-driven projects across Hawai‘i. Born and raised in Hilo, she holds a degree in Veterinary Technology and is dedicated to supporting local initiatives throughout the islands. She continues to serve as a consultant and has remained a vital part of the organization’s ongoing work and success.
How it Works
Q: I need a fiscal sponsor. Where do I start?
Please send us an email to request a Project Proposal Application. Big Island RC&D Council reviews all requests for assistance through this form. This is a simple "concept" application and not a detailed proposal. The Council is looking for the basic plan that the organization or individual has in mind. Detailed proposals will be forthcoming if the project is approved. If the concept is developed into a proposal and the project is funded, Big Island RC&D Council, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will act as fiscal sponsor. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks for the Council's portion of a grant submission to be completed.
Q: How are funds distributed?
All funds are received by the Council, which in turn, acts as the fiscal manager for project implementation. Project principals and managers have payments made from their funds for the project via directly paid invoices or reimbursement upon receipt. The Council handles the bookkeeping and fiscal management responsibilities.
Q: What are your fees?
Please note, the Council charges up to 12% of all funds received for administrative services.
Effective October 25, 2019: A sponsor rate cap of 2% will be enforced for indirect/administrative fees paid to any organization facilitating a pass-through account with BIRCDC.
Q: Is BIRCDC directly involved with my project?
The BIRCDC program manager acts as the liaison and facilitator between the Council bookkeepers, project managers and funding organizations. The Council files periodic and final reports as required in the grant criteria, using information provided by the project principal or manager. BIRCDC is the Contractor and maintains contracts until the projects are completed.
