230 ENDOWMENTS | $36,205,124.90 IN ASSETS | $1,903,622.28 IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN 2025
YOUR LOCAL
SOUTHEAST IOWA
PARTNER IN GIVING
Established in October 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable community foundation which receives gifts, grants and contributions from charitable individuals, families, businesses, and corporations.
These charitable gifts are used to establish permanent endowments, foster leadership, assist Tri-State Area nonprofit organizations, charities, schools, healthcare institutions, and strengthen communities in Southeast Iowa, West-Central Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation has awarded a total of $172,221 to 27 organizations through the 2026 Eichacker/Lofton Grant Fund. The grants will support projects addressing arts and culture, community betterment, education, health and human services throughout Lee County, Iowa; Hancock County, Illinois; and Clark County, Missouri.
The Community - Summer
Discover the Spring 2026 edition of The Community Newsletter, featuring inspiring stories of generosity, community impact, and philanthropy across Lee County. Inside, you'll find updates on scholarships, grants, donor legacies, nonprofit partnerships, and the people and organizations working together to strengthen our communities - for good, forever.
LCYS GRANT APPLICATION
Applications are now open for the Lee County Youth Services, Inc. Grant! Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Lee County youth under age 19 are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding to support programs and services that make a positive impact on local young people. Applications are due September 15, 2026.
FM SCHOOLS GRANT
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation were proud to present a $75,000 grant to the Fort Madison Community School District in support of concurrent enrollment opportunities for students at Southeastern Community College while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit.
2026 IMPACT GRANTS
This year, a total of $225,200 was awarded to six organizations supporting projects that will strengthen communities, support families, improve accessibility, preserve local history, and create lasting impact throughout Lee County. The Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant was established in honor of longtime community leader and philanthropist Merlin Hellman.
2026 GRANT WORKSHOP
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation held their first Grant Workshop of the year Wednesday afternoon at the Turnwater Reception Room in Fort Madison. More than 100 representatives from local nonprofit organizations, government entities, and school districts attended the event.
TAX BENEFITS
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation is a public charity that allows donors to qualify for maximum tax advantages under federal and state law. We provide access to the Endow Iowa Tax Credits – a 25 percent state tax credit.
NONPROFITS
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation is your partner for good. Currently, over $800,000 in grants a year are awarded to nonprofits and government entities whose work brings a better quality of life to the communities they serve.
2026 ENDOW IOWA TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE
The Endow Iowa Tax Credit program was created to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of this state through increased philanthropic activity by encouraging new investments to existing community foundations across Iowa. Those who give to a permanently endowed fund at a the Keokuk Area Community Foundation are eligible to receive a 25% state of Iowa tax credit for their gift. Community members who give are also able to take advantage of the tax credits in conjunction with federal tax deductions.
