Cawaco RC&D

06/09/2026

Ready to lead a project that makes a difference in your community? RC&D grant applications are open through June 30.

The RC&D grant program connects Central Alabama communities to the resources and partnerships they need to help people thrive, grow the economy and protect the environment. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are open to nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community organizations in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties.

Priority areas this cycle:
- Community improvement
- Education
- First responder support
- Parks and recreation

Learn more and apply at cawaco.org.

06/05/2026

At The Lovelady Center in Birmingham, a rooftop garden has become a cornerstone of life for women looking for a second chance.

The Center supports 550 women and children working to break the cycle of incarceration, addiction, and poverty. Their 2,000 sq. ft. rooftop garden is a daily source of food, healing, job skills, and community. It's made such an impact that it was recognized with second place in the David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards.

The garden’s beds were originally built with railroad ties that had degraded over the years and needed a fresh start ( → scroll to the end to see the original raised beds with the garden in full bloom).

We're proud that Cawaco RC&D's grant program helped fund brand new raised garden beds for the 2026 planting season. With these new beds in place, the garden can continue to be a space where women find peace, purpose, and the opportunity to grow in every sense of the word.

Read the full story: https://cawaco.org/lovelady-garden/

Cawaco's RC&D Grant Program is open through June 30. Learn more at cawaco.org.

06/03/2026

Just in time for National Pollinator Month, The Birmingham Zoo's new Butterfly House is getting its final touches! With the help of volunteers, the Zoo helped restore the habitat to make it a welcoming space for these lovely pollinators.

Thank you Sen. Rodger Smitherman & Rep. Kelvin Datcher for your partnership in supporting this project and the butterflies who call it home!

06/03/2026

From our friends at Cawaco RC&D: 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.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

The Your Town Alabama Annual Workshop would not be possible without the support of the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils. RC&D is a great supporter of making Alabama a better place to live, work, and play—that's an ideal very close to our hearts at YTA. This year, we were excited to welcome seven RC&D staff and board members to our annual workshop. Thank you for your continued partnership!

P.S. The RC&D grant cycle is open through the end of the month! Apply or find your local council at alabamarcd.org.

06/02/2026

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight
Today we proudly recognize our valued partner and Gala Sponsor:
Cawaco RC&D

Their investment helps CCDN continue its mission of promoting healthier families, empowering youth, and strengthening communities.

Partnerships like these help transform lives throughout our region.
Please join us in thanking them for helping us Build Community with Care.

05/28/2026

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!

05/28/2026

05/20/2026

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