Kramer honored for philanthropic efforts

     Keith Kramer, executive vice president of F&M Bank, was recently honored by The Greater Tri-State Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for his ongoing dedication to philanthropy in his community. Each year, the Association honors donors and volunteers whose gifts of time, expertise, and resources make a significant contribution to the success of the non-profit agencies and institutions they serve.

     Kramer was recognized in the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser category. He has been instrumental in growing philanthropy in Delaware County and across the northeast Iowa region. He has dedicated his time and resources to numerous causes, but perhaps most notably to the Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars (MVDFS) program. Kramer was instrumental in establishing and growing the program and his efforts have resulted in 80 family endowed scholarships that have now grown to over $1 million. Since 2001, over $700,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Maquoketa Valley graduates to be used for post-secondary education and training programs with over $58,000 of that awarded in 2016 alone. Kramer and fellow board members volunteer countless hours throughout the year.

     “I am completely humbled and honored to have received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Award,” Kramer commented. “I thoroughly enjoy giving back to the communities in Eastern Iowa and am overjoyed to be able to devote time and effort to such worthwhile causes. I believe that we need to give back more than we receive. There are opportunities for all of us to make a difference in someone’s life.”

     Kramer’s fundraising efforts date back to 1990 when he helped lead efforts around an $8.6 million bond issue to upgrade and build facilities in the Maquoketa Valley School District. Again in 2010, when the Lake Delhi dam was breached, Kramer contributed to the efforts that resulted in over $4 million being raised. This money was used to leverage county and state funds for the purpose of rebuilding the dam and bringing vitality back to the community.

     Kramer has served as chairperson of the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County, as well as serving as a board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. His efforts have positively affected area health care, museums, fire departments, cemeteries, faith-based institutions, and youth development and numerous other causes.

     Tirzah Wedewer, senior vice president and CFO at F&M Bank, has witnessed Kramer’s commitment to the community and his impact first-hand. “Keith works tirelessly behind the scenes to help wherever he can in our community. He often provides unique solutions to overcome challenges. His biggest reward is hearing from past MVDFS graduates as well as working with the families endowing funds to honor and memorializing a special relative. He has touched countless lives with his efforts.”