News Updates

Sale of rescue squad

In July 2023, Eastmont Community Foundation received a donation from the sale of the former Shawsville Volunteer Rescue Squad as part of their dissolution agreement. ECF deposited the funds into an endowed fund with ECF and established the First Responder Scholarship Fund. These scholarships will remain in the eastern Montgomery community to be used towards first responder and medical education. Annual disbursement amounts from the First Responder Scholarship Fund are based on the ECF operating guidelines.

There are two types of grants available. The first are annual scholarships for post-secondary education in a first responder, nursing or medical doctor field from an accredited university/college for graduates of Eastern Montgomery High School (or its predecessor, Shawsville High School).

The second type of grant is for certifications, skills acquisition and/or programs to increase skills in a first responder field. These are available to benefit an individual, nonprofit or public entity who meet the criteria for first responder or local nonprofits. In addition, special requests made by the sheriff of Montgomery County, chief of Elliston Volunteer Fire Department, chief or director of Montgomery County Fire-EMS requesting training for department staff/volunteers will be reviewed by the ECF board.

Eastmont Community Foundation is appreciative of first responders willing to serve, protect and care for others. ECF supports making education attainable for firefighters, EMTs, police officers and those in the nursing/medical field.

We would like to thank the Shawsville Volunteer Rescue Squad for their service of time and skills to the eastern Montgomery community, as well as those who supported the rescue squad financially that have made this scholarship possible.

The mission of Eastmont Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in eastern Montgomery County and connecting people in the community. ECF operates the Waldron Fitness Center, Meadowbrook Center and Old Town Fields in Shawsville and the EastMont Thrift Store in Elliston. In addition, ECF awards annual scholarships to Eastern Montgomery High School seniors, annual grants to local nonprofits and supports the LINC newsletter for the area.

Less than 1 percent of ECF operating funds are received from government entities, ECF operates from donations, grant funds, and fundraising to support our work in the community.

Scholarship applications are available on our website at www.eastmontcf.com or by emailing us at eastmontcf@gmail.com