As we enter a new Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grant application season, we’re excited to share a few “grant in action” examples from 2016. This past year YEP awarded $11,370 in grants to 10 nonprofit youth serving organizations in DeKalb County.

Mobile Food Truck

Request

Northern Illinois Food Bank: Grant request for funding to support a mobile food truck in DeKalb County. Organized and implemented by youth participants of the DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau and Youth Outlook.

Action

In December 2016, members of YEP volunteered at the Holiday Resource Fair put on by the DeKalb Permanency Action Team at DeKalb High School. The mobile food truck was featured at the event. Made possible by the 2016 YEP grant to Northern Illinois Food Bank, funding provided a variety of fresh and frozen food to 84 families (about 252 people).

Youth Impact = Empowerment

A mobile food truck encourages youth to get involved in service to others and will get them thinking about equality and social justice. Hunger and poverty issues are often hidden in communities but become a reality at a food distribution. Youth see that they have the ability to make a difference in our community.

Mobile Toolboxes

Request

Crowbotics #5934, DeKalb High School Robotics team: Grant request to purchase mobile toolboxes for use during the building season and for use at offsite robotic competitions.

Action

With new mobile DeWalt toolboxes to make competition experiences more efficient, the 2016 Crowbotics 5934 Team started the year off in high gear.  The toolboxes accompanied the team of 15 high school students to competitions at Winnebago High School, NIU STEM Fest, and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Winter Bash event. Next stop, Midwest Regional Competition at University of IL Chicago in March of 2017.

Members of the Crowbotics team compiled a keepsake book sharing highlights of the 2016 season with the new DeWalt toolboxes. The keepsake book was presented to YEP member Ellie Bowers, and Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

Youth Impact = Caring School Environment

The Crowbotics team provides a caring, encouraging environment at DeKalb High School. Students are excited to be part of this team. Each member knows he/she is appreciated and their input is valued. The addition of mobile toolboxes contributes to teamwork and collaboration both in the classroom and on the go.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy exists to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County. Projects considered for funding must be dedicated to the community, directly involve youth, and promote youth empowerment and leadership.

Grants are made possible thanks to donor generosity and the power of endowment. If building up youth through leadership and philanthropy is an area of interest to you, or if you would like to add support to the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund, please contact Dan Templin, Executive Director at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org. Helping today…Shaping tomorrow.