The East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF) hosted its annual Community Trust Grant Ceremony at the Opelika Public Library, awarding over $30,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations making a lasting impact across the region.
The event brought together nonprofit leaders and community supporters to celebrate this year’s grant recipients and recognize the meaningful work being done to address critical needs and create new opportunities throughout East Alabama.
Each year, EACF’s Community Trust Grants support a wide range of initiatives—addressing issues such as education, health, human services, and community development. This funding reflects the Foundation’s ongoing mission to strengthen the communities it serves through philanthropy, collaboration, and long-term vision.
2025 EAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT CYCLE
Education & Social Services Grant Awards
Education Grants ($15,600)
$3,000 to Alabama Shakespeare Festival to subsidize tickets for 300 students to participate in SchoolFest, a comprehensive student matinee program.
$2,700 to Baby Steps to enhance and expand our Enrichment Events for pregnant and parenting college students facing an unplanned pregnancy.
$3,000 to BigHouse Foundation to support Wonderful Wednesdays, a weekly enrichment program for children in foster care and children who have been adopted out of foster care in 1st-6th grades. The goal of our Wonderful Wednesday program is to provide educational and social support for these children who are out of school for the summer.
$3,000 to Esperanza House to serving low-income Hispanic families in Auburn, Opelika, and across Lee County by providing access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. This project funds our newly developed pre-kindergarten program, designed to address a gap.
$900 to Liberty Learning Foundation to support one Civic and Character Development Program in Russell County, students will participate in our Super Citizen Program.
$3,000 to Team W.H.I.P. to support TEA (Teaching Empowering Advocating) Project, the goal is to empower our communities to be intentional and proactive with their health.
Social Services Grants ($15,495.05)
$3,000.00 to LaFayette Main Street to provide For Downtown Pole Banners to enhance the visual appeal of our city streets, events, and public spaces, to create vibrancy, elevate our city streetscapes, and show local pride.
$3,000.00 to Mercy Medical to support “Caring for Patients with Diabetes” to help improve the lives of patients with diabetes by decreasing healthcare costs and equipping them to accurately manage and control their disease.
$2,995.05 to O Grows to establish an accessible garden in Opelika (Lee County) to empower seniors and individuals with mobility limitations through inclusive gardening. Install four 24″ raised beds and a shaded canopy tent to reduce physical barriers and heat exposure.
$500.00 to Quiet Storm Outreach to support the costs of essential resources such as nutritious meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and bus passes to facilitate job searches and ensure individuals in Tallapoosa County can attend interviews and employment opportunities.
$3,000.00 to Southeastern Diabetes Education Services to provide support costs of 4 East Alabama resident children living with diabetes to receive financial aid for the Camp Fee cost of participation in Camp Seale Harris.
$3,000.00 to Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center to support the cost Pediatric Sexual Assault Exams. We will work with DHR and law enforcement to coordinate a rapid and local response to ensure that each victim is not further traumatized, receives excellent medical care, and evidence is preserved.