Best Lee County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Abous Us

For Good. Forever

Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and grants from individuals, families, business, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of Southeast Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.

The mission of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation is to build endowments to assist community needs, foster growth for leadership, and create flourishing nonprofit organizations, charities, schools, and

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.

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.

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.