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Grant equips Mountain Brook firefighters with advanced emergency medical training tool
Cawaco staff were gathered in a classroom with our partners in the Alabama Legislature and a grantee when the room transformed in an instant to…
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…
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,…
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.…
Continue Reading New facility opens to serve women experiencing homelessness in Pelham
Partners and Projects Honored at 2025 Annual Meeting
Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council board members, staff and partners gathered at Bevill State Campus in Jasper on December 11 for our annual meeting.…
Continue Reading Partners and Projects Honored at 2025 Annual Meeting
New sidewalk links trail systems and historic neighborhood in Trussville
The City of Trussville connected a historic neighborhood to a river trail system, creating safer routes for elementary school kids, outdoor classrooms for teachers, and…
Continue Reading New sidewalk links trail systems and historic neighborhood in Trussville
Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2025 Cawaco RC&D grant program supports local projects benefiting community, environment, education (BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) (Dec. 16, 2025) – From community…
Continue Reading Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama
Restoring a Community Lifeline in McCollum-Midway
What does a small volunteer fire department do when its only medical response vehicle faces a catastrophic engine failure? The answer to that question takes…
Continue Reading Restoring a Community Lifeline in McCollum-Midway
Behind the Grants: Spotlight on Patti Pennington
Name: Patti PenningtonTitle: Programs ManagerYears with RC&D: 18 Meet Patti Pennington We think the saying should be Patti-of-All-Trades, because Patti Pennington is a woman of…
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Burgers, hot dogs, and supporting our first responders. What could be a better combo? We enjoyed a day of serving those who serve Shelby County with the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils and the Alabama Forestry Association.
Events like this reflect RC&D's ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve our community. Thank you to Sen. Dan Roberts, Representative Susan DuBose, and Representative Russell Bedsole for sharing a meal with us on a beautiful day.
And a special thank you to the Shelby County first responders for serving the community! ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Cool Green Trees's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Your Town Alabama would not be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. By supporting Your Town Alabama, these organizations are helping the development of citizen leaders who have the skills to determine their community’s future. Thank you to our 2026 workshop sponsors!
Alabama Association of RC&D Councils
Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Philip A. Morris Fund for the Design Arts
Alabama Communities of Excellence
Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association (ALAPA)
University of Alabama Office for Business Engagement Services
Government & Economic Development Institute - GEDI at Auburn University
East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
Cawaco RC&D
Walker Area Community Foundation
Central Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission
Auburn University Master of Community Planning
Place Associates
Leavell Design Consulting
Byard Associates, LLC ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce's post ... See MoreSee Less
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We believe education is so important, we went back to school! Thank you to Mid-South RC&D for hosting us in Auburn for "RC&D High"! We learned from National Association of RC&D Councils, The Cosby Company, and each other so we can better serve our regions.
#AlabamaRCD ... See MoreSee Less
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Thinking about applying for a grant from Cawaco RC&D? Before submitting a proposal, consider the following questions to help present a clear, compelling vision and improve your chances of success.
1. Define Your Needs
What needs to be done, and how will you do it? Does your project align with Cawaco’s strategic funding priorities?
2. Define Your Leadership
Who is leading the effort? If that person leaves, who ensures the project stays on track?
3. Define Your Goals
What problem are you addressing? Who benefits and for how long? Who is responsible for sustaining the project?
4. Define Your Supporters
How strong is your community support? Are people ready to volunteer, donate, or otherwise help bring your project to life?
Applications are open through June 30, 2026. Learn more and apply at cawaco.org.
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We enjoyed meeting with Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison and Birmingham-area grantees to celebrate $63,500 in grant funding! Bringing grantees together allowed them to share knowledge and experiences, form new partnerships and renew long standing relationships. We always love getting to hear directly from grantees about how their projects are making a difference!
Projects included:
- The Lovelady Center: Rooftop Garden Improvements
- Lamplight Summer Camp: Outdoor Initiative Project Fund
- Elevate Birmingham: Pathways to Potential
- The Literacy Council: Adult Literacy Programs for Personal & Professional Growth
- Climb the Beanstalk: Survive & Thrive
- Cool Green Trees: Mobile Water Wagon for Urban Tree Survival
- Community Care Development Network: Inspire Education Academy
“I am proud to have partnered with Cawaco RC&D in providing $63,000 in funding to these seven dedicated nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in our community,” said Sen. Coleman-Madison. “These groups represent the heart of addressing local needs, creating opportunities, and improving the quality of life for so many. This funding is not just an investment in projects, but in people, and in a stronger future for our entire community.”
#AlabamaRCD ... See MoreSee Less
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Spend a Saturday afternoon picnicing at Jones Valley Teaching Farm to support Good Community Food! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, raise a glass, and settle in for a feast among the crops.
[What is Good Community Food? ] 🥕🥬
GCF strengthens the Alabama food system by increasing food access, providing agricultural skills-based training, and sharing resources with urban growers and community gardens. Programs include the GCF Fellowship, free and reduced-cost community workshops, free seedling distribution, and free produce via Jones Valley Teaching Farm farm stands. ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Walker County Conservation District's post ... See MoreSee Less
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