215 ENDOWMENTS | $20,626,014.66 IN ASSETS | $1,234,382.34 IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN 2023
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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.
UPDATES / NEWS / EVENTS
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2024 GRANT RECEPTION
​The Board of Directors of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and Lee County Youth Services, Inc are pleased to announce grants to thirty - three Tri-State Area 501 c (3) exempt nonprofit organizations. Grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations in the fields of arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services in Lee County Iowa, Hancock County Illinois, and Lewis and Clark Counties in Missouri.
Lee County Youth Services, Inc. is an endowment fund of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation that is led by a separate volunteer board of directors from Lee County, Iowa. Every year, Lee County Youth Services, Inc. distributes grants and scholarships to Lee County nonprofit organizations and Southeastern Community College students. Lee County Youth Services, Inc. are committed to funding programs of social responsibility and community involvement/education for youth.
At the Grant Reception, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation celebrated the new Eickacker / Lofton Grant Fund. One of George Eichacker’s and Richard Lofton’s proudest achievements was being the founding fathers of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation. George and Richard established the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Fund to support Keokuk Area organizations in arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services. To honor George and Richard's legacies, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Board of Directors renamed the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Fund to the Eichacker/Lofton Grant Fund in 2024.
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2024 ENDOW IOWA TAX CREDITS STILL 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.​
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A NEW START FOR LEE COUNTY HEALTH
In 2016, Lee County Health Department (LCHD) was forced to evacuate from a former building due to the aging and poor conditions at a rented building. During that unfortunate and terrible period, LCHD was able to relocate to the former Iowa State Penitentiary campus in Fort Madison. LCHD currently works and serves the people of Lee County out of leased floor space that is surrounded by barbed wire fencing and vacant abandoned prison buildings.
This former State Prison building has significant problems with roof and window water leaks, moldy ceiling tiles, and continuous troubles with HVAC cooling and heating due to aging outdated systems that the State of Iowa will not upgrade, replace or repair. Lee County currently pays $7,500 per month or $90,000 annually to rent this space at the former Iowa State prison. The State of Iowa owns these buildings and could evict the Lee County Health Department at any time.
The Meller Health Center when constructed, will be centrally located in Lee County near the Fort Madison Hospital. This property lies adjacent to the Shottenkirk Chevrolet Buick GMC car dealership in Fort Madison. The Meller Family generously gave the property to Lee County. This new Lee County Health Department Center and EMS facility will provide easy access for all the communities and townships of Lee County and will provide excellent health services for all the people of Lee County.
This past August, North Lee Community Foundation donated $250,000 to the Lee County Health Department Fund as an initial gift to the project. The Lee County Supervisors need $6,751,696 to build the Meller Health Department building. North Lee Community Foundation seeks to raise $500,000+ to help build the Meller Health Department building.
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