Located in Genoa IL, the Barn on Baseline Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, formerly known as the DeKalb County Animal Welfare Shelter, provides opportunity and safety for homeless and abused animals. With over 40 years of service in DeKalb County, the staff and volunteers take care of more than 120 animals on a daily basis.

The Barn on Baseline continues to partner with the DeKalb County Community Foundation through grantmaking, financial support from donor directed funds, and by the Foundation managing the Barn on Baseline’s own charitable fund.

Over the years, a variety of funds were created at the Community Foundation to provide support for the Barn on Baseline. The David E. Hall Memorial Endowment Fund, Bertram Animal Shelter Endowment Fund, and the Janice and Steve Milner Fund all provide unrestricted operating support for ongoing costs and expenses. These endowed donor funds at the Community Foundation will continue to exist indefinitely.

In 2013, the DeKalb County Animal Welfare League Fund was created at the Community Foundation as a way to invest cash reserves for future use. Under the direction of the Barn on Baseline Board of Directors, this agency fund provides ongoing emergency reserves and operating support, allowing the organization to focus on their mission and day to day dedication.

Another form of partnership is through grantmaking. In 2008, a $3,000 Community Needs Grant was awarded for camera surveillance equipment in the outdoor dog run area, providing safety for dogs and visitors. Then in 2010, a $700 grant was given for construction of a stainless steel ramp, allowing handicap access to the dog kennel room.

“As an organization committed to serving our community, we are pleased to have partnered with the Community Foundation for over 20 years. Our endowment fund at the Foundation allows people to invest in our mission and also reflects past successes,” said Barn on Baseline Executive Roberta Shoaf. “Our investment in the future includes a new expanded facility that focuses on services for the pets of seniors and deployed military. We thank the Foundation for caring for our community.”

There are a many ways to be a philanthropist in DeKalb County. If safety and the care of animals is near and dear to your heart, consider making a gift to a fund benefiting the Animal Shelter. To make an undesignated gift to the Community Foundation for use in Community Needs Grants or start a fund of your own, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

There is Strength Through Partnership!

Pictured from left – Roberta Shoaf, Barn on Baseline Executive Director; Michelle Alexander, Board Vice President; furry friends Dinktwo and Milo