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.
Mission
To carry out plans of action for the accelerated conservation, development, and proper use of the area’s resources, resulting in an improved economic and physical environment.
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.
How 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.
RC&D Grant Program
The RC&D Grant Program is our direct investment in community impact by providing competitive grants to small towns and nonprofits for projects that are likely to make a broad community, environmental, or educational impact.
Strategic Habitats
Cawaco works with partners like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Alabama Rivers & Streams Network to research and implement conservation practices to understand our local environment and improve habitat and water quality for natural and economic benefits.
Cool Green Trees
Cool Green Trees was grown through a passion for planting trees and changing the world. They work to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, stormwater runoff, and air pollution to uplift the community, economy, and health of Jefferson County, Alabama.
RC&D Grows Gardens
Cawaco and our partners provide vegetable seeds and mini-grants for school, community and veteran gardens to empower communities and schools to grow fresh local produce that can be shared, eaten, and even sold to generate income.
Holle Foundation
Cawaco provides administrative support for the Holle Family Foundation, 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
Cawaco is a founding member for Your Town Alabama and continues to provide administrative support. Your Town Alabama hosts an annual workshop that inspires and educates Alabamians to use asset-based design for setting and achieving community goals.
Recent News and Projects
Cawaco RC&D opens grant applications for Central Alabama projects
Grants of $5,000–$20,000 available April 1–June 30 for community, environmental and educational projects across five counties BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council is now accepting grant applications for projects that strengthen…
Continue Reading Cawaco RC&D opens grant applications for Central Alabama projects
Lupton Junior High library gets major upgrade
Students at Lupton Junior High School in Walker County now have a modernized library space built for the way they learn. Cawaco Staff, board members, and area legislators presented a ceremonial check to Lupton…
Continue Reading Lupton Junior High library gets major upgrade
New facility opens to serve women experiencing homelessness in Pelham
The Resting Place of Pelham opened its doors on Jan. 31, 2026, marking a milestone in helping women transition out of crisis in Shelby County. (L-R): Mayor Rick Walsh, Council Member Marcus Snowden and…
Continue Reading New facility opens to serve women experiencing homelessness in Pelham
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
