East Alabama

Established in 2007 by community leaders, the East Alabama Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change through philanthropy, collaboration, and community engagement, serving Chambers, Lee, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties. EACF became an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 2024. This partnership strengthens our ability to support local initiatives, grantmaking, and community programs that address the unique needs of East Alabama.

EACF addresses a wide variety of concerns, supporting projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, EACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Chambers, Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Staff members

Burton U. Crenshaw

President

Ben Freeman

Development Director

Dana Hess

Financial Officer

Emma Tennant

Affiliate Manager

Jill Tucker

Donor Services Coordinator

Sabrina Wood

Grants and Scholarships Manager

Advisory Committee Members

Grants

Community Trust Grants – EACF

Applications Eligible FEB 2, 2026 — APR 3, 2026

(Awarded in June)

Community Trust Grants are available for services and programs provided by any nonprofit in the East Alabama area.

Required Documents for Submission:

Operating Budget – Current Year
Operating Budget – Prior Year
Audited Financial Statement (only required if your agency has this document)
Core Operating Standards for Nonprofits
IRS Letter of Determination
Listing of Board of Directors
Letter endorsing project from Organization President

Nonprofit organizations may submit one EACF Community Trust Grant application for a maximum award of $3,000.

Grants/Funding are not awarded to:

Individuals
Annual fundraising drives, events or marketing campaigns
Endowments
Partisan political advocacy
Regular operating support or capital projects
Religious purposes (although we do support educational and social service programs offered by faith-based organizations)
Research
Sponsorship of fundraising events
Start-up costs

Scholarships

Central AlabamaWorks Scholarship

(Open to graduating seniors from any high school in Autauga, Bullock, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Russell, or Tallapoosa Counties.)

The Central AlabamaWorks Scholarship was established to assist outstanding and deserving graduates with their post-secondary educational needs. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED, reside within one of the 13 counties served by Central AlabamaWorks, be accepted into an Alabama community college, trade/vocational school, or short-term training program for career technical education, possess a valid Alabama ID and provide 2 letters of recommendation.

Deadline: March 1

John E. Melson & Margaret Linch Melson Scholarship

(Open to graduates of Opelika High School who are residents of Opelika, Alabama)

The John E. Melson & Margaret Linch Melson Scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Opelika High School who are residents of Opelika, Alabama demonstrating leadership, high moral and ethical standards, and good citizenship. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school.

Application Requirements: High School Transcript, Essay, Involvement Verification Form and References

Deadline: March 1

The Joseph Fanning Drake High School Endowment Scholarship

(Open to graduates of J.F. Drake Middle School in Auburn, Alabama or descendants of graduates of the former J.F. Drake High School in Auburn, Alabama)

The Joseph Fanning Drake High School Endowment Scholarship benefits graduates of J.F. Drake Middle School or descendants of graduates of J. F. Drake High School within four generations. This scholarship is available to any student planning to study at an accredited 4-year college/university, 2-year college/university, or trade school. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 21. Recipients may apply to renew the scholarship for three additional years of undergraduate study and for additional degrees.

Application Requirements: High School Transcript, Essay, Documentation of Relationship to Drake Middle or High Schools, and References
Deadline: March 1

Latest News

East Alabama Community Foundation Awards Over $30,000 to Local Nonprofits at Annual Community Trust Grant Ceremony

The East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF) hosted its annual Community Trust Grant Ceremony at the Opelika Public Library, awarding over…

East Alabama Community Foundation Awards $30k in Grants to Local Nonprofits

OPELIKA, AL– The East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF) hosted its Community Trust Grants Presentation on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at…

East Alabama Community Foundation Celebrated New Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF) announced the grand opening of its new location at 216 S. 8th Street in Opelika,…

Phone

(334) 264-6223

Fax

(334) 263-6225

Address

Physical: 216 S. 8th Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801

Mailing Address: PO Box 775 Opelika, AL 36803