There are approximately 125 active nonprofit organizations (501(c)3, not including churches) in DeKalb County. Though some may serve a similar audience, each is unique in the assistance they provide. Nonprofits provide services and programs that benefit the greater community, contributing to a safer, healthier place to live.

Understanding the importance of nonprofits and seeing the need for strengthening the nonprofit sector in DeKalb County, the Community Foundation continues to seek ways to make this happen. The creation of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) in 2012 was a huge step in the right direction. DCNP exists to strengthen local nonprofits through leadership, professional development, and collaboration. Growth for this community initiative continues as more and more nonprofits seek membership, a true testament to the effectiveness of DCNP.

– A Giving Day For DeKalb County –

Following through with their commitment to nonprofits, the Community Foundation, working through DCNP, brought the very first giving day to DeKalb County in May of 2014. Giving days are simply a 24-hour day of giving in an effort to raise support for local nonprofits and grow philanthropy in our community. It’s a community-wide event demonstrating DeKalb County’s spirit of giving, raising awareness of local nonprofits, and celebrating the collective effort of our community.

– Community Fund Impact –

As an extra incentive for donors to give during this day, the Community Foundation initiated a bonus pool, $25,000, to act as a proportional match. Gifts from donors would generate an even greater impact for participating nonprofits. Support for the bonus pool came through community impact funds (undesignated funds) established at the Community Foundation. Through grantmaking, Community impact funds allow flexibility for the Foundation Board of Directors to give where the need is most.

As we look to the May 4, 2017 giving day, Give DeKalb County, we are excited to see the progress made in just a few years. The three previous giving days have raised over $773,000 with donations made from 30 different states and 5 different countries all over the world. The bonus pool continues to grow through annual support from the Community Foundation and Community Partners, recently arriving at the $50,000 mark. Joining in our efforts to engage the greater community, local businesses have stepped forward as Media Sponsors to promote awareness and generate excitement.

We remain confident in the decision to invest Community Impact fund dollars to Give DeKalb County. This one day of giving has the potential to provide impact both now and in the future for our local nonprofits. Through the flexibility of Community Impact funds, we can provide help both today and in the future.

– Giving Where It’s Needed Most –

If “giving where it’s needed most” inspires you, consider making a gift to the DeKalb County Community Endowment Fund or start a community impact fund of your own. For questions or more information, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

Helping today…Shaping tomorrow.