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
We are dedicated to the conservation of the natural resources within our five-county geographic area. We proudly serve Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties.
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.
Community Projects
From creating a tool trailer that can be used across the region to supporting community revitalization through Your Town Alabama, we’re working to make our region stronger every day.
Conservation Projects
Cawaco works with partners like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Alabama Rivers & Streams Network (ARSN) to implement conservation practices that improve habitat and water resources for natural and economic benefits.
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.
Recent News and Projects
Kellie Johnston receives Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Hall of Fame Award!
Kellie is a creative, innovative thinker. Not only can she dream up a project, she can also find the people to make it happen. She has a way of creating partnerships and maintaining working…
Continue Reading Kellie Johnston receives Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Hall of Fame Award!
Univ of Montevallo Provides Environmental Education-Virtually
The Environmental Education Program at the University of Montevallo (UM) originally applied for a Cawaco grant to provide in-person programming for each grade in Montevallo City Schools. Around November 2020, it was realized that…
Continue Reading Univ of Montevallo Provides Environmental Education-Virtually
Shelby Emergency Assistance Creates Edible Garden
SEA’s goal is to provide for the basic needs (food, housing, utilities and medical care) of people in crisis, helping them achieve self-sufficiency. Local gardeners have brought produce to SEA for many years to…
Continue Reading Shelby Emergency Assistance Creates Edible Garden
