RC&D 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.

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Application

Grant applications are available April 1- June 30 of each year.

You are required to create a user account before submitting an application. Please make sure to choose Cawaco or the council that serves your area when applying.

Questions concerning the grant program should be directed to Patti Pennington at manager@cawaco.org; grantfunds@live.com or 205.623.0457. All grants must close out prior to July 15 of each year but some are due sooner.

Grant Guidelines

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Cawaco RC&D Council distributes grants to qualified public entities or 501(c)(3) charities serving the people of Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties of Alabama. The Council does not lend or grant money to individuals or for-profit institutions.

Priorities

We fund projects that :

• Closely align with our current funding priorities,
• Are likely to make a broad community, environmental, or educational impact,
• Are cost-effective,
• Reach the greatest number of citizens,
• A modest investment will make a significant difference.

Funding Priorities (2024-2029)

• Priority 1: Community Improvement Projects 
• Priority 2: Education Projects 
• Priority 3: First Responder Support 
• Priority 4: Parks and Recreation  

Grant Overview

Types of Grants

Education
For job/trade skill training, scholarships, field trips, books, or materials
Must fulfill an educational purpose and reach a large audience
$5,000 minimum; $20,000 maximum

Impact
For materials, infrastructure, community development or educational/safety equipment
$5,000 minimum; $20,000 maximum

NOTE: The average project funded ranges between $5,000 – $10,000. Prior to submitting a grant over $10,000, contact Cawaco’s program manager, Patti Pennington at manager@cawaco.org to discuss the project.

Grant Selection

Applications are reviewed and recommended by one committee member from each of our five counties. Notifications of award are sent in September of each year. Grants are evaluated based on need, area/population served, strength of community support and volunteer network, and meeting Cawaco’s funding priorities. Cawaco will email you with the results of our selection process.

Application Tips

Before submitting a proposal, consider the following questions, which will help you present a clear vision and increase your likelihood of being awarded a grant:

• Define Your Needs
  • What needs to be done? How will you accomplish your objectives? Does your project meet Cawaco’s strategic funding priorities?
• Define Your Leadership
  • Who will oversee your project? If the program manager leaves, who will be responsible then?
• Define Your Goals
  • What problem are you trying to solve? Who will benefit from this initiative? For how long? Who will maintain your program, structure, etc.?
• Define Your Supporters
  • How do you gauge the level of commitment you have from the community? Are community members willing to volunteer or contribute to assure your project’s success?

Project Completion

Final Reports and Reimbursement

All grants are reimbursable grants. Reimbursement (in the form of a check) will be sent once your project is complete and we have received all the appropriate final report paperwork.

Final reports are due BEFORE July 15 of the funding year, and must include a brief narrative, a minimum of two digital pictures, copies of checks and/or bank statements, and copies of receipts and invoices.

NOTE: It may take up to three weeks to receive your reimbursement. The payment process will go much faster if you submit ALL receipts and check copies for purchases related to your project and follow the budget set in your proposal.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement of funding is important! We may choose to highlight your story on our website and Facebook page, or in our newsletter. All promotional materials related to your project, including T-shirts, flyers, etc., must acknowledge Cawaco RC&D Council as a funder with the following wording: “Funding for this project was supplied (in part) by Cawaco RC&D, Inc. www.cawaco.org.”