The Hellman Lee County IMPACT Fund

Merlin Hellman (1935 – 2021) lived a life of service for Lee County. He was a man people called for help and advice, a man who was there for his family, friends, neighbors and community. Merlin served on multiple area boards of directors, including the Boards of Marquette and Aquinas, Parish Councils, and Diocesan Stewardship Committees. He was a founding member of the Southeast Iowa Economic Development Committee, but he was most proud of his volunteer accomplishments.

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North Lee County’s philanthropic story began with Merlin’s generosity. Merlin established the North Lee Community Foundation, the Lee County Charitable Fund and funded endowments to support Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, Holy Family Parish, the Fort Madison Public Library and Hope Haven.

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The North Lee Community Foundation and the Lee County Charitable Fund honor the life Merlin Hellman by creating the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant. Starting in 2026, the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant will distribute multiple $25,000 - $100,000 IMPACT Grants to Lee County nonprofit organizations.

 

Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant Guidelines​

• Eligibility: Lee County 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations only.

• One grant per organization. The Lee County 501 (c)(3) organization must have a Lee County Iowa Address.

• Application Dates: February 2, 2026 – April 6, 2026

• Amounts Awarded: Grants awarded up to $100,000. Organizations can apply for grants between $25,000 – $100,000.

• General Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation General Guidelines also apply.

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​Types of Projects Supported 

• Capital Projects: Grant awards would assist organizations with the upkeep and/or repair of buildings and facilities for the purchase of new equipment and/or upgrades or the replacement of existing equipment or the purchase of new equipment and technology.

• Program Projects: Grant awards could be awarded to establish new programs or initiatives and/or to assist with funding the growth and expansion of existing programs and activities. 

• Administrative Support: An IMPACT grant could be awarded to hire new professional staff or move an existing part-time staff person to a full-time position (for a specified period). 

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Past IMPACT Grant Recipients

• 2020 - Elliot Test Kitchen Foundation

• 2022 - KPLAY and Central Lee Schools

• 2024 - City of Donnellson Westview Park

• 2025 -Keokuk Community Child Development Center​​