Accountability is an important component of the SRDC program. This is achieved through ongoing communication between SRDC, the Province, and the region’s municipal corporations that make up its membership.
Accountable to Membership
The level of funding received from Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is, in part, contingent upon the ongoing support of at least 75 per cent of all municipal corporations located within the southwestern region of Manitoba. Currently, SRDC enjoys the support of 63 municipalities out of the 66 found across the region.
SRDC attempts to keep its membership informed about its activities and the progress of its funding assistance program. This is done through the yearly publication of three newsletters, periodic information packages, along with invitations to special meetings and the AGM.
This website has also been designed to inform its readers of the role that SRDC plays in the economic development of the region.
The annual SRDC Audited Financial Statement is also available to SRDC members upon request.
Accountable to Government
SRDC is funded through MAFRI. In order to receive funding which totals $83,705.00 annually, SRDC must submit two in depth reports.
An Interim Report details SRDC activity from January 1 to June 30 of each year. It includes full description of revenue and expenses; an explanation of SRDC goals and intentions; and a full rundown of all applications that are currently on file.
A Final Report covers a full year from January 1 to December 31. It includes the same type of updated information along with a copy of an Audited Financial Statement.
With the approval of these reports, MAFRI issues the interim and final payments to SRDC accordingly.
Project Proponents accountable to SRDC
Regional projects that have been approved for SRDC funding must also be accountable. At the conclusion of a project, its proponents must submit a brief report detailing the project and include all appropriate receipts. Once that report has met with the approval of the SRDC Board of Directors, funds will be released. The grant will equal the amount approved in the original application or half the total amount of eligible receipts – whatever is less – minus the mandatory two per cent administration fee.
Prior to the conclusion of a project, a Progress Report may be submitted to SRDC requesting the release of a Progress Payment. With copies of all necessary receipts in place and with the approval of the SRDC Board of Directors, a partial payment of the approved grant may be issued less a 20 per cent Holdback Fee. The Holdback Fee will be released upon the approval of the project’s Final Report.
Reporting Procedures
Reports submitted to SRDC for the purpose of accessing approved grant monies must be laid out in an organized fashion and include copies of all appropriate receipts.
SRDC asks that these reports offer a brief description of the project and detail its success or failure. The accompanying receipts should be presented in same order as related items are listed in the budget that was included in the original approved application. Please indicate the budgeted item that each receipt refers to. Cooperation in this matter will help to expedite the approval process