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Central Alabama Community Foundation and Project Red Clay award $75,000 to Organized Community Action Program. The Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) partnered with Project Red Clay to award $75,000 in grants to Organized Community Action Program for their dedicated work in providing critical utility and housing assistance to families in need. The grant was presented at a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 18, in Troy, Alabama. A description of the recipient and more details about the awards are provided below. "This partnership with the Cloverleaf Project Red Clay Fund allows us to directly invest in grassroots organizations that are making a tangible, lasting difference in Lowndes County," said Burton Crenshaw, President of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. "From providing dedicated mentorship in our high schools to helping families keep the lights on and their homes safe, these grants reflect our commitment to strengthening this community from the ground up. We look forward to providing more grants from this initiative over the next several months." "Project Red Clay has committed to being a long-term partner to the Lowndes County community, supporting priorities such as emergency services, workforce training, and initiatives that help families manage energy costs," said Danielle Decatur, Vice President of Community Engagement and Communications at Cloverleaf Infrastructure. "Through our partnership with CACF, we are investing in local organizations and programs that make a meaningful difference today while helping create lasting opportunities for the future." About the recipient. Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) - $75,000.00 Total Program Overview: OCAP delivers comprehensive social services and assistance programs designed to improve living conditions, promote self-sufficiency, and stabilize low-income families across the region. * Utility Assistance ($50,000.00): Allocates $25,000 for cooling assistance and $25,000 for heating assistance in accordance with LIHEAP guidelines. These funds cover balance gaps and assist low-income households facing power disconnection crises or emergency needs. * Weatherization Program ($25,000.00): Provides funding to replace non-operational household appliances, repair or replace broken windows and HVAC units, conduct plumbing and roof repairs, and install essential insulation for eligible homes. Total amount awarded: $75,000.00. Apply for a Cloverleaf Project Red Clay Grant. The CACF online grant portal is open for the Cloverleaf Project Red Clay Grant Fund, which supports initiatives across Lowndes County. Eligible nonprofits, public service providers, and community-focused organizations operating within Lowndes County are strongly encouraged to submit applications. This funding initiative is designed to empower local leaders and organizations to expand their reach, strengthen community infrastructure, and create sustainable improvements throughout the county.

CACF president discusses data center partnership. CACF president Burton Crenshaw explains how up to $10 million from Project Red Clay's proposed Lowndes County data center would support local services and nonprofits. Burton Crenshaw, Central Alabama Community Foundation president, shares her perspective on data center partnership benefits.Photo courtesy of Cloverleaf | THE LOWNDES SIGNAL Cloverleaf Infrastructure, a developer courting Lowndes County for a potential data center site called Project Red Clay, sat down with Burton Crenshaw, president for the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) recently. After the develop announced up to $10 million in benefits the project could bring to the area, money to be distributed through CACF, Crenshaw shared her perspective on what the partnership means to the local community. The developer said the funding will align with priorities identified with local leaders, such as emergency services, workforce training and programs that help reduce household energy costs. The project pledges an initial outlay of $1M and another $9M once the project meets certain milestones. "There will be an initial donation of $1,000,000 made by Project Red Clay as a show of good faith," Cloverleaf announced in a media releasee. "The balance of the funds will be distributed after certain project milestones are achieved via a written funding agreement with CACF. CACF will report on the use of funds throughout the term of the funding agreement." Another $4M is to be disbursed after the Energy Services Agreement is executed and the Public Service Commission approves the project. Then, $5M will be disbursed over five years after construction begins. The CACF is a charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening local nonprofits and making a positive difference for communities across the River Region. The CACF is well-known for awarding grant funding to agencies serving Lowndes County residents. The foundation, acting as grant administrator, will allocate the funding along defined stipulations, where feasible, working to ensure the money stays in Lowndes County. Promising direct benefit to residents, grants will be awarded based on early project research and conversations with community stakeholders. In a media release, the developer identified the opportunity it has for helping address needs of first responders and emergency services, weatherization and utility assistance for reducing household energy bills, Head Start and childcare assistance, workforce development training and apprenticeships and grants to organizations serving Lowndes County. Visit https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7453464334275506176 to hear Crenshaw discuss the community investment aspect of Project Red Clay. Story Tags