CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — 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.
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.
This year’s grant recipients and details are listed below.
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 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 first through sixth grades that provides educational and social support for these children who are out of school for the summer.
$3,000 to Esperanza House to serve 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 the newly developed pre-kindergarten program, designed to address a gap.
$900 to Liberty Learning Foundation to support a civic and character development program in Russell County.
$3,000 to Team W.H.I.P. to support TEA (Teaching Empowering Advocating) Project, which works to empower communities to be intentional and proactive with their health.
Social Services Grants ($15,495.05)
$3,000 to LaFayette Main Street to provide downtown pole banners to enhance the visual appeal of city streets, events and public spaces, to create vibrancy, elevate city streetscapes and show local pride.
$3,000 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 to empower seniors and individuals with mobility limitations through inclusive gardening. The project will install four 24-inch raised beds and a shaded canopy tent to reduce physical barriers and heat exposure.
$500 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 to Southeastern Diabetes Education Services to support costs of four East Alabama resident children living with diabetes to participate in Camp Seale Harris.
$3,000 to Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center to support the cost of pediatric sexual assault exams to ensure that each victim is not further traumatized and evidence is preserved.
The combined education grants and social services grants awarded totaled $31,095.05
ABOUT EACF
Established in 2007 by community leaders, the East Alabama Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change through philanthropy, collaboration, and community engagement. It serves Lee, Chambers, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. In 2024, EACF became an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation.
ABOUT CACF
For over 37 years, the Central Alabama Community Foundation has been a valued community partner and resource for nonprofits and students across the River Region, the Wiregrass and East Alabama. Through the generous support of individual and corporate donors, the foundation awards over $6 million annually in grants and scholarships to address diverse community needs. These funds support programs and projects in education, human services, health, cultural arts and other civic concerns. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals who live and work in these communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
