Economic development planning for the Village of Shabbona is set to begin soon thanks to a $20,000 grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. This grant, a Community Economic Development Grant, will allow the village to work with the NIU Center for Governmental Studies in conducting an economic development research survey of the Shabbona community. Survey results will help to identify business and tourism development opportunities, determine the feasibility of those opportunities, and develop a presentation for investors.

This is the third Community Economic Development Grant awarded in DeKalb County since the grant program began in the 2016. The City of DeKalb and the DeKalb County Government were the first two recipients and are a few months into their economic development planning and projects.

The idea for this new grant program started a few years back. In 2014, the Community Foundation sought input to help identify areas of concern that matter most to our communities. As a result of this input, the Community Economic Development Grant program was created in 2016. Through this grant program, each municipality in DeKalb County, for the next 2 years, is eligible for up to $20,000 in grants to assist with economic development planning and projects.

The Community Economic Development Grant program grew out of an ongoing partnership between the Community Foundation, DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation and DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Starting in late 2015, this team, working with NIU Center for Governmental Studies, helped shape and support the countywide economic development visioning process.

Funding for this grant program comes from donor generosity to undesignated funds, community impact funds, at the Community Foundation. When donors give to these funds, they allow the Foundation Board of Directors to respond to needs and opportunities in communities throughout DeKalb County. Through grantmaking and generous donor support, we are Helping today…Shaping tomorrow.

Application deadline is August 1, 2017 for the next round of Economic Development Grants. Apply online or learn more. For questions or additional information, please contact Program Director Anita Zurbrugg at 815-748-5383 or anita@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: Members from the DeKalb County Community Foundation present a $20,000 Community Economic Development check to village officials during a recent board meeting in Shabbona. From Left: Anita Zurbrugg, Program Director, DeKalb County Community Foundation; Jerry Foster, Chair, Shabbona Economic Development Committee; Claudia Hicks, President, Village of Shabbona; Kevin McArtor, Board Member, DeKalb County Community Foundation.