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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.

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PRESS RELEASES

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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

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EICHACKER / LOFTON

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF), in partnership with its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF), has officially opened applications for the 2026 Eichacker /Lofton Grant Fund, with the application period running from April 28 through June 29, 2026. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded, with one grant allowed per organization.

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MATTESON INCREASE

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) and the North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) are proud to announce a significant increase to the Matteson Scholarship, one of the region’s most impactful scholarship programs. Beginning with the 2026 scholarship cycle, the Matteson Scholarship will now provide up to $4,000 per year for four years, for a total potential award of $16,000 per student.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation were recognized with two major community awards on consecutive evenings this past week, underscoring their longstanding impact across Lee County.

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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.

HELLMAN IMPACT GRANT

The Lee County Charitable Fund has officially renamed its annual
IMPACT Grant to the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant, honoring the legacy of longtime community leader, philanthropist, and North Lee County advocate Merlin Hellman.

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SUPPORT FOR LCED

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation has awarded a $2,500 contribution to Lee County Economic Development Group as part of planned quarterly support in 2026. The Foundation anticipates contributing $10,000 annually to support economic development efforts across Lee County.

SANDROCK TRUST GIFT

The North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) are honored to announce the receipt of a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis - Sandrock. $400,000 annually will be given in grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area.

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COMMUNITY IMPACTS

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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.

WAYS TO GIVE

We accept a wide variety of gifts and offer a variety of fund options to meet your personal, charitable giving needs. We’ll work with you to match your giving and passions, and create a giving plan that meets your charitable and financial goals.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Keokuk Area Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. Thanks to our family of donors, we have annual scholarships to provide funding to Tri-State Area students and working adults.

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.

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TWENTY YEARS OF GIVING

Our Annual Report reflects the good works we do throughout the year as well as the stories of students, people and organizations working hard today to expand opportunity, reduce disparities, build stronger institutions, and make positive changes.

OUR ANNUAL REPORT

A LEGACY OF GIVING

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MATTESON

SCHOLARSHIP

The Matteson Scholarship is awarded annually to students and working adults must live in the Iowa Counties of Lee, Des Moines or Henry. The Matteson Scholarship also accepts scholarship applications from graduates of Wapello Senior High in Louisa County.

LEE COUNTY

CHARITABLE FUND

Every year, The Lee County Charitable Fund makes grants to ONLY Lee County, Iowa 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations and qualified governmental agencies. The Lee County Charitable Fund Grant Application opens every February/March. Grants are awarded every summer.

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LEE COUNTY

YOUTH SERVICES

The mission of Lee County Youth Services, Inc. is to provide opportunities and support for youth in need and those who serve them. Lee County Youth Services, Inc. is committed to a program of social responsibility and community involvement/education.

AFFILIATE

PARTNERS

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation supports the foundations in Des Moines County and North Lee County which have embraced the community foundation model as a vehicle for donors to invest in the communities they call home.

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CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS

GET STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES!
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SCHOLARSHIPS

Apply once to be considered for all Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation Scholarships!

WE BELIEVE IN GIVING

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation invests in local nonprofit organizations that contribute to improving the quality of life in our communities. Our grants support innovation, sustainability and capacity building.

OUR GRANT PROGRAMS

What We Do

What We Do

What We Do

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