Keokuk Area Community Foundation

06/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our Grant Workshop! We were thrilled to welcome nonprofit leaders from across our communities to learn more about grant opportunities available through the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation.

A special thank you to The Courtyard On Blondeau for hosting today’s workshop and providing such a wonderful space for collaboration and learning.

As a reminder, applications for the Eichacker / Lofton Grant Fund are currently being accepted through June 29, 2026. If your organization has a project that could make a positive impact in our communities, we encourage you to apply.

You can also view our complete 2026 grant schedule and learn more about all available funding opportunities at:

www.keokukfoundation.org/grants

We look forward to supporting the incredible work being done by nonprofit organizations throughout the Keokuk area and Lee County!

05/15/2026

This week, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, North Lee Community Foundation, and Lee County Charitable Fund proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grants during a press conference held in Montrose.

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.

2026 Hellman IMPACT Grant Recipients:

🔹 Keokuk Cares - $50,000
Community Service Equipment Project
Funding will help purchase equipment including a service truck, trailers, lawn equipment, snow removal equipment, and tools to expand volunteer assistance efforts for residents throughout the Keokuk community.

🔹 Lee County Economic Development Group - $50,000
WRAP Program
The Workforce Resource Assistance Program (WRAP) is designed to help employees overcome barriers that can interfere with stable employment while strengthening workforce stability throughout Lee County.

🔹 First Christian Church of Keokuk - $12,000
“A Bed for Every Child” Program
This volunteer-led ministry has provided more than 1,000 beds to children throughout the area, helping ensure children have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

🔹 Montrose Memorial Library - $11,200
Library Accessibility Improvement Project
Funding will support the installation of automatic entrance doors, improving accessibility and safety for library patrons and visitors.

🔹 Daughters of the American Revolution — $2,000
Clarissa Claypoole Wilson Historical Preservation Project
Funding will 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.

🔹 Community Action of Southeast Iowa - $100,000
Fort Madison Head Start Renovation Project
Funding will help complete renovations on a centralized early childhood education and family services facility in Fort Madison, bringing together Head Start classrooms and critical family support services in one accessible location.

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.

We are incredibly proud of all six organizations and grateful for the work they do to strengthen our communities every day.

05/08/2026

We’re proud to recognize Dean Rohlfs as this week’s KACF Student of the Week at KHS! ⭐

Each week, we have the opportunity to celebrate students who are making a positive impact through their hard work, character, and commitment to their education. Dean is a wonderful example of the bright future of our community. 💙

🎧 Listen to Dean’s interview here:
radiokeokuk.com/student-of-the-week

05/01/2026

We’re excited to recognize Kiera Stewart as this week’s Keokuk High School Student of the Week! ⭐

It’s always a privilege to highlight the students who bring dedication, positivity, and hard work into their school each day. Kiera is a great example of the talent and potential within our community, and we’re proud to celebrate that. 💙

🎧 Listen to Kiera’s interview here:
radiokeokuk.com/student-of-the-week

04/28/2026

The 2026 Eichacker / Lofton Grant Fund is officially OPEN!

Created to honor the legacy of George Eichacker and Richard Lofton, two founding fathers of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, this fund continues their vision of supporting organizations that strengthen our communities through arts & culture, education, health, human services, and community betterment.

Grants awarded up to $10,000! If your organization is making an impact in our community, now is the time to apply!

Apply here: https://www.keokukfoundation.org/lofton

04/24/2026

Please join us in congratulating Ayden Johnson, this week’s KACF Student of the Week! ⭐

Each week, we’re proud to recognize students who show dedication, effort, and a positive presence in their school. Ayden is a great example of the bright future we have right here in our community. 💙

🎧 Listen to Ayden’s interview here:
radiokeokuk.com/student-of-the-week

04/10/2026

We’re proud to recognize Marrissa Hays, a senior at Keokuk High School, as this week’s KACF Student of the Week. 🎓

As senior year marks an important milestone, we’re honored to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements that have led Marrissa to this moment. The future is bright, and we’re excited to see what comes next. 💙

🎧 Listen to Marrissa’s interview here:
radiokeokuk.com/student-of-the-week

04/10/2026

🎓 Last chance to apply for scholarships through the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation.

Multiple opportunities are available for local students pursuing a wide range of career paths, from trades and healthcare to leadership and STEM.

Don’t miss your opportunity to receive financial support for your future!

📅 Deadline: April 15
🔗 Apply now: https://www.keokukfoundation.org/scholarships

Established in October 2004, The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) is a 501 (c) (3) servingS outheast Iowa, West-Central Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.

04/09/2026

🌟 NEW Scholarship Opportunity: James Steffen Leadership Scholarship

Created to honor the life and legacy of James Steffen, this scholarship supports Central Lee High School seniors who lead with character, integrity, and involvement in their school and community.

If you’re a student who steps up, gives back, and leads by example, this opportunity was created with you in mind.

📅 Apply by April 15
🔗 Learn more or apply:
https://www.keokukfoundation.org/steffen

04/08/2026

🗣️ Donald & Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship

For students who want to make a difference by helping others find their voice.

The Donald & Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship, a fund of the North Lee Community Foundation, honors Bonnie Hoenig’s passion for supporting children with speech challenges. It is open to students across Southeast Iowa, West-Central Illinois, and Northeast Missouri who are pursuing a degree in Speech Therapy, Speech Pathology, or a related field.

If you’re called to a career rooted in communication, care, and impact, this opportunity was created for you.

🔗 Learn more or apply:
https://www.northleecf.org/hoenig