Just what is Cawaco?
Cawaco RC&D is a nonprofit organization that connects Central Alabama communities to the resources and partnerships needed to drive economic development in an environmentally sustainable way.
VISION: Vibrant communities that achieve balance between economic, human and natural resource needs.
What we do . . . . . . . . . . .
- Help other nonprofits to accomplish their mission.
- Find solutions to complex problems by identifying partners and coordinating actions across federal, state and local jurisdictions.
- Identifying resources and funding for projects, grant development, management and administration.
Recent Projects
How do we do it?
- Identify unmet community needs.
- Assist with project development.
- Identify strategic partners and funding to accomplish the goal.
CAWACO is Community
Cawaco is dedicated to the conservation, development and sustained use of natural and community resources. We proudly serve Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties of Alabama.
Grant Program
Cawaco receives funds from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils to provide competitive grants to small towns and nonprofits that would likely not receive funding from major funders or agencies.
Strategic Habitats
Alabama Rivers & Streams Network (ARSN) is a group of state and federal agencies, utilities, private companies, and non-profit organizations that work together to identify opportunities for the restoration and recovery of imperiled aquatic species through collaboration using science-based methods.
Cool Green Trees
This project is a unique collaborative effort between Cawaco RC&D Council Environmental Programs, the City of Birmingham, a diverse, multidisciplinary team from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and numerous local non-profits in Jefferson County, Alabama. Cool Green Trees is supported by the Jefferson County Department of Health.
The Holle Foundation
Cawaco provides administrative support for the Holle Family Foundation. The Foundation is a grant making institution established in 2014 to honor the legacy of Brigadier General Everett Holle, a champion of servant leadership, and his parents, Evelyn and Fred Holle.
Your Town Alabama
Since 1998, the Your Town Alabama organization has conducted annual workshops for town officials and community leaders across Alabama. For citizens interested in improving their communities, the workshop introduces asset-based design in community planning.
Gardens
CAWACO partners with the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, other RC&D Councils throughout the state and USDA/NRCS to provide vegetable seeds and mini-grants for school, community and veteran gardens. The goal is to empower communities and schools to grow fresh local produce that can be shared, eaten, and even sold to generate income.
Recent News and Projects
FY26 RC&D Grant Application Open April 1
Cawaco RC&D’s grant application is now open! In partnership with the Alabama Legislature, Cawaco RC&D’s grant program supports projects in Central Alabama that create meaningful community, environmental, or educational impact, and where a little…
Cool Green Trees Part of Sustainable Team in Birmingham
Cool Green Trees (CGT) is helping Birmingham become a more sustainable city! As one of 25 cities chosen for the three-year Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) initiative, Birmingham selected three organizations to help the…
Continue Reading Cool Green Trees Part of Sustainable Team in Birmingham
Cawaco RC&D and Alabama Legislature Invest in North Birmingham Food Access
Roots of Nourishment enhanced a community garden through the addition of raised garden beds and an irrigation system within the community greenhouse. The improvements grow Roots of Nourishment’s capacity to provide fresh food and…
Continue Reading Cawaco RC&D and Alabama Legislature Invest in North Birmingham Food Access
Cawaco RC&D programs and activities are available without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status
