2026 HELLMAN IMPACT GRANT RECIPIENTS

MONTROSE, IA — The Keokuk Area Community Foundation, North Lee Community Foundation, and Lee County Charitable Fund announced the recipients of the 2026 Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grants during a press conference held Tuesday at Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse in Montrose.

A total of $225,200 was awarded to six organizations supporting projects focused on community services, workforce stability, early childhood education, accessibility improvements, and historical preservation throughout Lee County.

The Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant was established in honor of longtime community leader and philanthropist Merlin Hellman, whose legacy of service, stewardship, and community investment continues to shape communities across Lee County.

"Merlin Hellman believed deeply that strong communities are built when people care for one another," said Leah Carroll, KACF & NLCF CCO, during opening remarks at the press conference. "Today, the Hellman IMPACT Grant continues that vision by supporting projects that create meaningful, lasting impact for children, families, and communities throughout Lee County."

Administered through a volunteer grant committee made up of board members from both the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation, the Hellman IMPACT Grant supports large-scale projects designed to create long-term community benefit.

2026 Hellman IMPACT Grant Recipients
 

Keokuk Cares - Community Service Equipment Project - $50,000
 

Keokuk Cares will utilize grant funding to purchase dedicated service equipment, including a service truck, trailers, lawn equipment, snow removal equipment, and tools needed to expand year-round volunteer assistance efforts throughout the Keokuk community. The organization assists veterans, senior citizens, and residents facing physical or financial limitations with property cleanup, minor exterior repairs, and other community service projects.
 
Lee County Economic Development Group - Workforce Resource Assistance Program (WRAP) -$50,000

The WRAP Program is designed to help employees overcome barriers that can interfere with stable, long-term employment, including transportation challenges, housing instability, childcare concerns, and other hardships. Through individualized support services and workforce stabilization efforts, the program aims to strengthen both employee retention and long-term economic stability throughout Lee County.

First Christian Church of Keokuk -"A Bed for Every Child" Program -$12,000

Since 2017, First Christian Church's "A Bed for Every Child" ministry has provided more than 1,000 beds to children throughout Lee County and the surrounding area. The program provides children in need with bed frames, mattresses, and bedding, helping ensure children have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Montrose Memorial Library -Library Accessibility Improvement

Project -$11,200

Funding will support the installation of automatic entrance doors at the Montrose Memorial Library, improving accessibility and safety for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, families, and visitors utilizing library programs and services.

Daughters of the American Revolution -Clarissa Claypoole Wilson Historical Preservation Project -$2,000

The Daughters of the American Revolution will utilize funding to assist with the restoration and preservation of the gravesite marker of Clarissa Claypoole Wilson, the daughter of Betsy Ross, who is buried in Fort Madison. The project is part of broader local historical preservation and America250 community recognition efforts.

Community Action of Southeast Iowa -Fort Madison Head Start Renovation Project -$100,000

Community Action of Southeast Iowa will utilize funding to complete renovations on a centralized early childhood education and family services facility in Fort Madison. The project will bring together Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms alongside family support services, including housing assistance, energy assistance, WIC services, food support, and family stabilization resources within one accessible community hub.
"This project represents a transformational investment in early childhood education, family stability, and long-term community well-being throughout Lee County," said Philip Ricketts during the presentation of the grant award. The renovated facility is expected to improve access to services, remove transportation barriers for families, increase enrollment consistency, and create a safe, developmentally supportive environment for children and families.

A message from KACF & NLCF Executive Director Roger Ricketts brought the event to it's conclusion. "Our Foundations in Lee County, Keokuk, and North Lee were established by visionary leaders to build permanent endowments through philanthropic charitable giving from many donors with a singular goal to help non-profit organizations with their vital work here in our home county and in our communities. The Hellman Impact Grants and all of our annual grant programs this year and going forward in many future years will always keep our singular focus to provide dollars for non-profits led by dedicated volunteers and leaders as they do vital work for the people and communities of Lee County".
 
The Foundations noted that the projects funded through the 2026 Hellman IMPACT Grant represent a wide range of community needs and opportunities, but all reflect Merlin Hellman's belief in strengthening communities through service, collaboration, and stewardship.