Eichacker / 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.

 

Eickacker / Lofton  Grant Guidelines​

• Application Dates: February 4/28/2026 – 6/29/2026

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

• Lee County, Hancock County, or Clark County 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, churches, and schools with charitable intent will be considered.

• One grant per organization.

• Grants awarded up to $10,000. 

​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. 

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2025 Grant Reception

In 2025, The Keokuk Area Community Foundation  and its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation through the Eichacker / Lofton  and Kowazan / Sandrock  Grant Fund have awarded a combined total of $170,239 in grants to 37 nonprofit organizations through their 2025 community grant cycle. These grants support a wide range of community projects, from youth programs and food security initiatives to arts, recreation, and essential human services. Each improving quality of life across Lee County and surrounding areas.

 

2025 Eichacker / Lofton Grant Recipients 

• Advocacy Network for Children – CASA of Hancock County

• Argyle Community Boosters – Rebuilding our Ballpark Phase 2

• City Hope Foundation – Food Pantry Office

• Community Action of Southeast Iowa – Emergency Services Set Up

• Community Services Council, Inc. of Ft. Madison (Fort Madison Food Pantry) – Feeding the Food Insecure of Lee County

• Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire – Guardians of the Black Forest Cabins

• Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Serenity House Shelter Support Project

• Farmington Food Pantry – Farmington Food Pantry Grant Match

• First Christian Church – Keokuk – Loads of Love

• Fort Madison Family YMCA – YMCA 2025 Grant Request

• Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails – Wet Weather Trails and Campground Upgrades in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek Forest

• God's Way Christian Center – Feeding the Less Fortunate

• Hoerner YMCA – Fitness Equipment Purchase

• Houghton Community Events – Pickleball

• Iowa Community Care Foundation – Game On: Access To Special Olympics in Keokuk

• Junior Achievement of the Heartland - Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programming for Lee County Youth

• KARE: Keokuk Association for Rights and Equality – Juneteenth Celebration

• Keokuk Cares - Adopt-a-Walk/Yard Program

• Keokuk Catholic Schools – HVAC System

• Keokuk Saddle Club – Bring The Arena Home

• Keokuk Union Depot Foundation - Arched Waiting Room Windows Restoration

• KPLAY Playgrounds for All - Phase 4 - Shades for Splash Pad

• Legacy Theater Foundation, Inc – Inspiring Imaginations

• Montrose Fire Rescue – Hazmat & Safety

• Rand Park Pavilion Commission - Pavilion Band Loading/Unloading Drive

• River Bend Food Bank - Fighting Child Food Insecurity in Hancock County

• St. Paul’s Food Pantry – Feeding Our Family

• Standing Bear Council, Inc. - Standing Bear Council 2026 Winter Gathering

• Three Rivers Conservation Foundation - Accessible Outdoor Classroom & Conservation Center Entrance

•  Toys for Tots Foundation - Toys for Tots of Lee Co IA and Clark Co MO 2025 Distribution

• United Presbyterian Church - Strawberry Patch Daycare Proposal

• United Way of the Great River Region - RSVP Hygiene Kit Program
   

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