Cawaco RC&D and the Chilton County Legislative Delegation gathered at Clanton City Hall to celebrate the awarding of $92,107 in grant funding to ten organizations across Chilton County. The grant day event highlighted the diverse community projects that will strengthen public safety, support youth development, and enhance local services.
The celebration brought together local elected officials and organization leaders to recognize the collaborative efforts that make these vital projects possible. Each funded project represents a targeted investment in addressing specific community needs identified by local people and implemented by local organizations.
2025 Chilton County Projects
Impact Grants
Butterfly Healing Garden – Hope Grows Here (Phase 2)
The Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center created the “Butterfly Healing Garden,” a peaceful, welcoming space for children and families impacted by abuse to reflect, heal, and find comfort. The space benefits 125 people as it enhances the therapeutic environment and supports emotional well-being during difficult times.
Clanton Police Department License Plate Reader
The City of Clanton purchased a license plate reader (LPR) to enhance crime-solving capabilities and increase public safety for its 9,000 citizens. The LPR has supported the Clanton Police Department in quickly solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and preventing further criminal activity.
Defibrillators for the Chilton County Sheriff’s Dept
The Chilton County Commission equipped law enforcement vehicles with defibrillators so sheriff deputies can provide faster and more efficient medical care in emergencies for the roughly 46,000 Chilton County residents. This safety equipment improves emergency response, increases survival rates, enhances community safety, and improves sheriff-community relations.
Fire Hose Replacement
The Collins Chapel Community Volunteer Fire Department replace outdated fire hoses with new ones that will serve the VFD for decades. The equipment aligns the VFD with neighboring agencies so they can function flawlessly while serving the roughly 46,000 citizens of Chilton County.
Jemison Police Department Traffic Enforcement
The City of Jemison Police Department updated their speed detection devices for their patrol units to assist with speed enforcement. The roughly 2,900 people who call Jemison home will benefit from the department’s ability to slow speeders down to prevent accents contributed to speed and save lives.
Saving our Own
The Cedar Grove Fire Department added equipment to assist in “Saving our Own.” They purchased 1) a rapid intervention team kit to provide injured firefighters with emergency breathing air if they become incapacitated while fighting fires, and 2) a thermal imaging camera that detects heat to identify fire and people trapped inside a structure. The equipment will keep the brave volunteers safe so they can protect citizens and make it home at the end of every call.
Education Grants
ACES Support
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System brought a fun new addition of STEM equipment for the Chilton County 4-H program. They provided hands-on coding, engineering and design experience with Ozobots, 3-D pens, and a straw rocket launcher. The project served 250 students who get to learn with this equipment at in-school clubs and summer day camp programs.
Care Net Parenting Programs and Parent University
Care Net of Chilton County’s Parenting Programs meets the critical needs of women, children, and families by empowering parents with the confidence, tools, and skills they need to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children. Through the purchase of curriculum materials, supplies, and incentives like infant care essentials (e.g. car seats) to encourage participation and recognize milestones, Care Net served 50 parents and children, encouraging them to implement positive changes into their families.
Jemison Quarterback Club Community Mission Plan
The Jemison Quarterback Club revitalized and upgraded their facility with new turf, workout equipment, and an ice machine. The indoor facility provides a space for 1,000 children of all ages to improve their health and athletic skills.
Joint Use Weapons Training Facility
Chilton County First Response Endowment Fund established a training facility for law enforcement across the state to use for qualification and proficiency training in the use of firearms and other resources. The facility benefits extend beyond the 1,000 people it directly impacts—properly trained law enforcement officers create a safer environment for both residents and first response personnel.
Building Partnerships for Lasting Change
The success of these community projects reflects the power of collaboration between local organizations, government partners, and dedicated volunteers. The projects demonstrate how strategic investments in community infrastructure create lasting positive change across the county.
The impact of these projects would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of the Chilton County Legislative Delegation. Special thanks to Sen. April Weaver, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, Rep. Van Smith, and Rep. Russell Bedsole for their commitment to supporting locally driven solutions to strengthen Chilton County.
Cawaco RC&D is proud to support educational and community development projects like these throughout Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties. These grants represent our ongoing commitment to fostering vibrant communities that achieve balance between economic, human and natural resource needs.
