A construction company’s impact can reach well beyond the projects it delivers. For Helmkamp Construction Co., that impact includes scholarships, support for local families, health initiatives, and employees coming together to decide where their generosity can do the most good.

The East Alton-based company announced on October 12 that the Helmkamp Cares Foundation has surpassed $1 million in charitable giving since its establishment in July 2019. Over that time, the foundation has supported more than 100 organizations, bringing together employees, industry partners, and the community around a shared commitment to service.

Behind the milestone is a simple idea: give employees a meaningful voice in giving back.

A vision built into the company’s culture

Helmkamp CEO and Owner Rob Johnes established the foundation one year after taking ownership of the company. His vision was to build on Helmkamp’s long-standing tradition of philanthropy through a formal foundation that could strengthen community relationships and expand its reach.

Marketing Director Jen Jackson served as the inaugural committee chair for the first five years, helping establish the foundation’s direction and core values.

Today, Project Coordinator Alyssa Spa chairs a committee of nine employees whose roles span accounting, project management, safety, superintendent responsibilities, and other areas of the company. Bringing those perspectives together helps ensure giving decisions reflect the interests and passions of the people behind Helmkamp’s work.

Turning generosity into local impact

The foundation supports organizations through committee-approved donations, employee benefit selections, and holiday giving guided by clients and employees. Its recent efforts have included:

  • Scholarships for students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
  • Maximum impact donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and The December 5th Fund.
  • Support for health initiatives, including the Alzheimer’s Association and St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s KIDstruction Week.

Employees also contribute their time and skills at local build days and community events, extending the foundation’s work beyond financial support.

For the construction community, that combination of giving and hands-on service is familiar. The same people who coordinate projects, solve problems, and bring teams together can put those abilities to work strengthening the communities where they live and build.

A milestone powered by people

Helmkamp Cares’ efforts have earned recognition, including the 2020 Community Impact Award at the St. Louis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work event. In 2026, Helmkamp ranked fourth in its company size category in the publication’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards.

Still, Helmkamp President Kyle Ogden emphasized that the meaning of the milestone rests with the employees who sustain the mission.

“Giving back is part of who we are at Helmkamp, and we’re committed to making a positive impact for generations to come,” Ogden said.

As the foundation looks ahead, its priorities include targeted giving, volunteerism, and continued collaboration with community partners.

SLC3 congratulates Helmkamp and the Helmkamp Cares Foundation on this achievement. Their story is a reminder that our industry helps build strong communities through both the work it delivers and the people willing to give back.

Learn more about the Helmkamp Cares Foundation.

Source: Helmkamp Construction Co. press release, October 12, 2026.