$1.2M in expenses

Aarcdc grant program: cawaco receives funds from the ala assoc of RC&DS to provide competitive grants to small towns and nonprofits that would likely not receive funding from major funders or agencies. These funds champion projects led by local community leaders, schools, and municipalities. In 2025, projects funded included parks and outdoor recreation, first responder equipment, school equipment, community murals, summer camps, food insecurity programs, and community gardens.

$585K in expenses

Strategic habitat program: cawaco provides administrative and program support for the alabama rivers & streams network. The network is a group of state and federal agencies, utilities, private companies, and non-profit organizations that work together to identify opportunities for the restoration and recovery of imperiled aquatic species through collaboration using science-based methods. The primary action of this group is to coordinate field work and studies and implement on-the-ground projects that improve habitat.

$474K in expenses

Cool green trees: (in partnership with the jefferson county dept of health and univ of alabama at birmingham) created a map that identifies and prioritizes areas in jefferson county (cool green trees map) where present and future extreme heat will most affect human health. Trees are strategically planted in priority areas using this data-driven approach. The project is supported by the jefferson county dept of health, us forest service, and other organizations. To date, 1,249 trees have been planted in 5 neighborhoods with over 400 volunteers.