NEWS / PUBLICATIONS
CREATING IMPACTS
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation invest in local nonprofit organizations that contribute to improving the quality of life in our communities. Our Community Foundations are about more than just managing charitable assets. We are about impact. Each charitable giving fund has a story. It represents the causes you care about, the organizations you serve and the communities that shape us. Our press releases, Annual Reports, Community Newsletters and our many donor/nonprofit publications tell your impact and tell our story.
MEDIA CONTACT
Leah Carroll
Director of Communications & Marketing
319.670.1412
leah.carroll@keokukfoundation.org
PRESS RELEASES
2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation has awarded a total of $172,221 to 27 organizations through the 2026 Eichacker/Lofton Grant Fund. The grants will support projects addressing arts and culture, community betterment, education, health and human services throughout Lee County, Iowa; Hancock County, Illinois; and Clark County, Missouri.
FM SCHOOLS GRANT
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation were proud to present a $75,000 grant to the Fort Madison Community School District in support of concurrent enrollment opportunities for students at Southeastern Community College while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit.
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
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.
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.
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.
2025 GRANT RECEPTION
On November 6, 2025, The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation held a Grant Reception at Turnwater and awarded have awarded $170,239 to 37 nonprofit organizations.
“It is an honor for the Keokuk Area Community Foundation to be able to fulfill our donor’s wishes to support local non-profits."
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.
20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
The Keokuk Area Community Foundation celebrated its 20th Anniversary in a Gala on May 3, 2025, at Meyers Courtyard. Founded in 2005, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation has received $23,026,592 in donations from 4390 donors, awarded $9,270,923 in grants and scholarships to 2313 organizations and 426 students.
NEWSLETTERS AND DONOR RESOURCES
THE COMMUNITY
SUMMER 2026
Discover the Spring 2026 edition of The Community Newsletter, featuring inspiring stories of generosity, community impact, and philanthropy across Lee County. Inside, you'll find updates on scholarships, grants, donor legacies, nonprofit partnerships, and the people and organizations working together to strengthen our communities - for good, forever.
THE COMMUNITY
FALL/ WINTER 2025
The 2025 Community Newsletter celebrates the power of giving across the Keokuk and North Lee communities. Inside, you’ll find stories of local impact, scholarship recipients, grant partners, and the donors who make it all possible. The Community is published three times a year.
GUIDING THE LEGACY
ADVISED FUNDS HANDBOOK
Since our founding in 2005, we have served the needs of this area and the hope and desires of our donors through personalized service, financial stewardship, local expertise and community leadership. Our Advised Handbook gives you a glimpse on how our foundations work.
ANNUAL REPORTS
TWENTY YEARS OF GIVING
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Celebrating a milestone, 2024 marked 20 years since the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation founders dreamed of what could happen if they pooled their resources and worked with others to resolve their community’s challenges and build on their strengths. The mission they embraced was to give back to Lee County, create leaders, and promote nonprofit organizations.
TOGETHER IN GIVING
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation we thank you for the giving impact you have made. We continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm and generosity of the donors, nonprofit organizations and students across Lee County, Southeast Iowa, Northeast Missouri and Western Illinois.
BELIEVE
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Giving back is the core to our mission of strengthening leaders, students, and nonprofits through philanthropy. We know there will always be challenges, but it is always our goal to grow as an organization so we can continue to serve your passion for giving. We thank you for believing in us, and we will continue to work together to create a more vibrant and giving Tri-State Region!