East Texas Communities Foundation

East Texas Communities Foundation East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals.

Big News for Smith County Libraries! 🎉The Tyler Library Foundation Fund, held at the East Texas Communities Foundation, ...
06/11/2026

Big News for Smith County Libraries! 🎉
The Tyler Library Foundation Fund, held at the East Texas Communities Foundation, has awarded $22,000 in grants to support local libraries across Smith County! 🙌
These grants help enhance programming, improve access to resources, and support educational initiatives for readers of all ages.
✨ 2026 Grant Recipients Include:
• Whitehouse Community Library – Summer Reading Program
• Troup Municipal Library – Upgraded patron computers
• Lillie Russell Memorial Library – Book collection updates
• Smith County Area Libraries Together – Hotspots & children’s programming
• Bullard Community Library – LIBBY book updates, patron computers and new books
• Tyler Public Library – Expand makerspace program
Plus, each library above was granted funding for 2 WIFI Hotspots

Tyler Library Foundation Fund was created in 2009 as a field-of-interest fund to support community libraries located in Smith County. Each spring, a grant recommendation committee meets to review requests submitted by these libraries.

Tatum Music Company has served East Texas school band programs for over 75 years, meeting the needs of both student musi...
06/09/2026

Tatum Music Company has served East Texas school band programs for over 75 years, meeting the needs of both student musicians and area music educators. Several former outstanding band directors have owned Tatum Music Company throughout its history. The current owner, Doice Grant, established The Tatum Music Scholarship to benefit future instrumental music educators.

This year's recipient is Jasiah Perkins.

Jasiah recently graduated from Marshall High School, where he was in the school’s marching band for 4 years, serving as marching bass drum captain, in the symphonic band and wind ensemble. He participated in all-region band, and was active in the Future Farmers of America chapter, serving as a chapter officer. He also participated on the radio broadcasting team and swine show team. Jasiah plans to study Music Education at Stephen F Austin State University and become a band (percussion) director.

The Ben and Bettye Bitz Scholarship was established to honor two individuals who deeply valued service, faith, and educa...
06/06/2026

The Ben and Bettye Bitz Scholarship was established to honor two individuals who deeply valued service, faith, and education. During their retirement years in Berryville, Texas, Ben and Bettye Bitz dedicated themselves to their church and community while generously supporting opportunities for young people to pursue higher education.

Ben proudly served his country as a WWII veteran during the Normandy Invasion, and Bettye was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Their legacy continues through this scholarship, which supports students from Frankston High School in Anderson County and LaPoynor High School in Henderson County.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, America Chavez-Gomez of Frankston High School! 🎉

America graduated as Valedictorian of her class and plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study Political Science before pursuing law school. Inspired by her experiences advocating for her family and community, America hopes to become an attorney focused on defending and uplifting marginalized individuals through law and policy reform.

Congratulations to Creedon Rand, recipient of the A.D. & Mary Winston Scholarship! A graduate of Lindale High School, Cr...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Creedon Rand, recipient of the A.D. & Mary Winston Scholarship!

A graduate of Lindale High School, Creedon will attend Texas A&M University this fall to study Soil and Crop Sciences. Creedon has built an impressive resume through his leadership and dedication to agriculture, academics, and service.

His accomplishments include:
⭐ Lindale FFA Chapter President
⭐ Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar – Class of 2026
⭐ State FFA Lone Star Degree Recipient
⭐ Multiple State FFA LDE and CDE Qualifier
⭐ State Livestock Judging Qualifier
⭐ National JBBA Director
⭐ Active volunteer through FFA, National Honor Society, and community organizations

Creedon’s passion for agriculture, leadership, and serving others makes him an outstanding representative of East Texas. We are proud to support his future as an Aggie and look forward to all he will accomplish.

Congratulations, Creedon, and Gig ’em!

Established to honor Barbara Bass’s years of service as mayor of the City of Tyler, the Barbara Bass Community College S...
06/05/2026

Established to honor Barbara Bass’s years of service as mayor of the City of Tyler, the Barbara Bass Community College Scholarship supports first-generation college students who are pursuing higher education and investing in their future.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Yazmin Lopez of Tyler High School! 🎉

Yazmin graduates near the top of her class with an outstanding academic record, leadership experience, and a passion for serving others.

Inspired by the care her premature sister received in the NICU, Yazmin plans to pursue a career in nursing. She will attend Tyler Junior College before continuing her education at The University of Texas at Tyler to earn her bachelor’s degree and achieve her dream of becoming a NICU nurse.

Congratulations, Yazmin! Your leadership and heart for serving others make you a deserving recipient of the Barbara Bass Community College Scholarship.

06/03/2026

Established in 2002 by the family and friends of Adam Carroll, the Adam Carroll Memorial Scholarship honors a young man remembered for his love of people, passion for sports, and zest for life. Adam’s favorite saying, “Always remember who you are, where you come from and what you represent,” continues to inspire students today.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Kolbi Phillips of Grand Saline High School!

Kolbi has excelled both in the classroom and in athletics while serving her school and community with dedication and leadership. Her accomplishments include:

⭐ Varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and cheer
⭐ Softball team captain and Academic All-State honoree
⭐ FCA All-Star Game selection
⭐ Grand Saline FFA Chapter President
⭐ National Honor Society Treasurer
⭐ Student Council member and leadership student
⭐ Active volunteer through church, FFA, NHS, and youth sports programs

This fall, Kolbi will attend Central Christian College of Kansas, where she will continue her softball career while pursuing a degree in Biology with plans to become a Wildlife Biologist.

Congratulations, Kolbi! Your leadership, work ethic, and commitment to representing your community well make you a deserving recipient of the Adam Carroll Memorial Scholarship. 💙

06/03/2026

Tatum Music Company has served East Texas school band programs for over 75 years, meeting the needs of both student musicians and area music educators. Several former outstanding band directors have owned Tatum Music Company throughout its history. The current owner, Doice Grant, established The Tatum Music Scholarship to benefit future instrumental music educators.

The Tatum Music Scholarship at East Texas Communities Foundation is awarded to Stephanie Wilson.

Stephanie recently graduated from White Oak High School where she was in the school’s marching band for 4 years, serving as drum section leader. She was in the state military marching contest, receiving silver twice and gold once, and participated in all region, area and state band.

She formed the Texas Future Music Educators chapter at her high school, serving as secretary-treasurer. Stephanie has been active in student council, national honor society and medaled in UIL Mathematics and Calculator. Additionally, she received the TEMA and Mount Vernon Music Scholarships. Stephanie plans to study Music Education at Stephen F Austin State University and become a band director and college professor in Music.

The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 through the generosity of lifelong Tyler r...
06/02/2026

The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 through the generosity of lifelong Tyler residents, Gladys and T.B. Stewart. With deep roots in faith and education — including Mrs. Stewart’s 40-year career as an educator with Tyler ISD — the Stewarts hoped to create a lasting legacy by supporting students who reflect their values of perseverance, service, leadership, and educational excellence.

We are proud to announce this year’s recipients:

🎉 America Chavez-Gomez — Frankston High School
🎉 Creedon Rand — Lindale High School
🎉 Lezlie Ibarra — Tyler ISD Early College High School

Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to serving others.

⭐ America Chavez-Gomez is the valedictorian of Frankston High School. An active leader in academics, theatre, art, and community service. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study Political Science before pursuing law school and a career advocating for underserved communities.

⭐ Creedon Rand has distinguished himself through outstanding involvement in FFA leadership, livestock judging, and agricultural service. A Lindale FFA Chapter President and Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar, he plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Soil and Crop Sciences.

⭐ Lezlie Ibarra, a student at Tyler ISD Early College High School, will graduate with both her high school diploma and associate degree. A 4.0 GPA student active in Student Government, HOSA, and Phi Theta Kappa, she plans to attend The University of Texas at Tyler to pursue nursing and ultimately become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Congratulations to these remarkable students! Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication to your schools and communities embody the legacy of Gladys and T.B. Stewart, and we are proud to support your futures.

Sammy Joe & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarships were established by Martha Jean Calhoun. These scholarships are to b...
06/01/2026

Sammy Joe & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarships were established by Martha Jean Calhoun. These scholarships are to be awarded to a graduating high school senior of any public or private high school or homeschool in one of the counties served by ETCF.
This scholarship is specifically for students pursuing a career focusing on caring for mentally and physically challenged persons.

Sammy Joe & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarships Disability Studies recipients are:
💚 Alyssa Singleton a graduate from Jacksonville High School planning to attend Baylor University.
💚 Julia Garrick: a graduate of Bullard High School and plans to attend Texas A&M. lege.
💚 Alyssa Singleton, a graduate from Jacksonville High School planning to attend Baylor University.

Scholarship Spotlight: Ashby Croswell🎓A big congratulations to Ashby, a proud graduate of Overton High School, for being...
05/29/2026

Scholarship Spotlight: Ashby Croswell🎓
A big congratulations to Ashby, a proud graduate of Overton High School, for being awarded the Jackson Huse Scholarship.

The Jackson Huse Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jackson, who passed away at age 6 after a brave battle with a brain tumor. He would have graduated from high school in 2019. This scholarship will benefit students like Jackson’s sister, Meredith, who were greatly impacted by their sibling’s death.

Ashby plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler in the fall.

Address

315 N Broadway Avenue Ste 210
Tyler, TX
75702

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(903) 533-0208

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