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
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. It was a day dedicated to celebrating a successful…
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 a community that just got a whole lot more…
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 gardens to innovation centers and critical safety equipment for…
Continue Reading Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama
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
