Some communities are looking for a direction to go in, while others have a good idea what they would like to do but are having trouble turning ideas into action. RHCA’s research and development services outline practical and cost-effective options that are the first step to getting the show on the road.
Historical Research and Writing
For your history to be useful you have to know it and you have to be able to express it in vehicles that will attract attention. RHCA provides top-notch, impeccable historical research and colourful writing accessible to a popular audience. RHCA will leave no stone unturned and don’t be surprised if we find out that your community’s history is even more exciting than you ever thought!
Feasibility Research
Rural communities often pay thousands of dollars for feasibility studies that point out the blatantly obvious and accomplish little other than delaying the start of project. For a fraction of the cost and in a reasonable time-frame, the RHCA will identify the markets and audiences for your project and practical strategies and vehicles to reach them.
Grant Application Writing
The RHCA can help identify grants your project may qualify for and assist you with all aspects of the writing and application process. RHCA President Mike Fedyk has experience both writing and reviewing grant applications for Canadian Heritage, SaskCulture and various other government departments and granting agencies. This wealth of experience can be available to you.
Building Capacity, Sustainable Funding Strategies and Fundraising Proposals
Thinking long-term can easily get lost in the hurly-burly of getting a project off the ground. However, without building capacity in your community and a sustainable plan for maintaining funding, any project may be a one-time event or have a big start but then lose momentum and die out. The RHCA can help your community make sure that doesn’t happen by developing plans for training volunteers and staff, fundraising and client attraction plans that bring in funding from outside your community and community buy-in programs that will keep the momentum going.
Communication Plans
In the information age, where there is more competition for the public’s attention than any time in history, it is more challenging than ever for rural communities to reach markets and audiences outside of their communities. Advertising is usually expensive and often not especially effective. The critical factor is knowing who your audience and market is and you can reach them with as little cost as possible. In is own projects, the RHCA has consistently demonstrated that it can get its message through to the audiences interested in its projects.
Organizational and Motivational Presentations
The RHCA Speakers Bureau page outlines a number of presentations and workshops that assist students during the research and development stage of their projects.
Contact the RHCA for more information on how to take advantage of our research and development services.