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. The Sandrock’s had previously created permanent endowment funds with the Foundations and were generous supporters throughout their lifetimes. They also championed local causes such as the Fort Madison Public Library and the Fort Madison Community Schools. The couple cared deeply about their hometown and Lee County, and their legacy will continue to strengthen the region for generations to come.
This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially expand their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards. Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and The Lofton-Eichacker Grant Fund of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area. This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $700,000–$800,000.
“The impact of this gift will be felt for generations to come,” said Executive Director Roger Ricketts. “It strengthens our ability to help nonprofit organizations dream bigger, reach farther, and make a lasting difference in our communities.”
In the coming weeks, nonprofit organizations in Lee County will be invited to a series of informational meetings with the leadership of both Foundations to learn more about application deadlines, timetables, and available funding opportunities.
About the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and
grants from individuals, families, businesses, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of our communities. Together with its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation, which was established in 2005, the two foundations work to build stronger communities and enable nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions.
To learn more about the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, visit www.keokukfoundation.org. To learn more about the North Lee Community Foundation, visit www.northleecf.org.