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
Paul Kennedy – That’s Who !!!
Check out our Board Member, Paul W. Kennedy, who was featured as a “Who’s Who” in the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2021 Nonprofit edition. Paul was executive director of Cawaco RC&D before leaving to head…
Urban Darter Project
Despite being the most populated city in Alabama, the Birmingham Metropolitan area is no exception, and is home to three endangered darters in the genus Etheostoma. Funds provided by the USFWS will support a…
UAB Grand Challenge
Cawaco RC&D Council was contracted by University of Alabama Birmingham to implement a portion of UAB’s Grand Challenge strategic plan. Cawaco’s Environmental Specialist, Francesca Gross, coordinated volunteer tree planting days in the North Titusville and…
Learn more about all our programs!
The Cawaco programmatic strategy is twofold:
1) Distribute grant funds to organizations whose goals align with ours and
2) Develop resources to address unmet community needs.
