Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant

The Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant is a locally administered philanthropic funding opportunity created to honor the legacy of Merlin Hellman, a longtime community leader and benefactor in Lee County, Iowa. Merlin Hellman was known for his extensive civic engagement, including service on multiple boards and committees, and for his foundational role in establishing local charitable funds and endowments. His contributions led to the creation of the North Lee Community Foundation and the Lee County Charitable Fund, both of which now jointly administer this grant program. Beginning in 2026, the IMPACT Grant represents a continuation of his commitment to strengthening local institutions and improving community life. The primary purpose of the Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant is to provide substantial financial support to nonprofit organizations operating within Lee County, Iowa. The program is designed to fund impactful initiatives that address community needs, enhance organizational capacity, and contribute to long-term sustainability. Funding is available for a range of project types, including capital improvements, program development or expansion, and administrative capacity building. This broad scope allows organizations to pursue both infrastructure-related investments and mission-driven programming that benefits the community. Eligible applicants must be organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must have a physical address in Lee County, Iowa. In addition to traditional nonprofit organizations, municipalities, churches, and schools may be considered if their proposed projects demonstrate clear charitable intent. Each organization is limited to one application per cycle. The program emphasizes local impact and prioritizes projects that address community challenges, foster collaboration, and strengthen organizational effectiveness. Grant awards range from 25,000 to 100,000 dollars, with applicants permitted to request funding within this range. The funds may be used for capital projects such as building repairs, equipment purchases, and technology upgrades; programmatic initiatives including the launch or expansion of services; and administrative support such as hiring new staff or expanding existing roles. Grants are awarded for a one-year period, and funding cannot be used for projects that have already been completed prior to award notification. The application process requires submission through an online grants management system (GLM), along with all required supporting documentation. Applications are accepted during a defined window, opening on February 2, 2026, and closing on April 6, 2026. Applicants must adhere to both the specific IMPACT Grant guidelines and the broader general grant guidelines established by the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and North Lee Community Foundation. These guidelines include restrictions on funding uses, such as prohibitions on political activities, debt reduction, and sectarian religious purposes. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with community priorities and the foundations’ mission. Preference is given to projects that propose practical solutions to community problems, demonstrate strong organizational capacity, and show evidence of community support and collaboration. Additional priority is placed on initiatives that promote efficiency, sustainability, leadership development, and civic engagement. Projects that leverage additional funding sources or require matching funds may also receive favorable consideration. The grant program operates on an annual cycle, with past recipients indicating recurring funding rounds in prior years. While exact award notification timelines are not specified, grants are typically distributed following the review period after the application deadline. For further information or assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Philip Ricketts, Chief Operating Officer, via email or phone. His contact details are provided as part of the program’s official information.

Focus on demonstrating clear community impact collaboration and organizational capacity Align proposal with priority areas such as sustainability efficiency and leadership development