Nonprofit and charitable organizations interested in applying for a grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation are invited to one of two free workshops on January 26 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. or 2 – 3:30 p.m. Workshops are open to the public and will take place in The Freight Room at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore. The morning and afternoon sessions will be the same.

Attendees will learn valuable tips and strategies to increase their chances of receiving funding from the Foundation’s various grant programs available throughout the year. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the DeKalb County Community Foundation including grant programs, fund types, community initiatives, and how they benefit organizations in the community. Foundation Program Staff, Anita Zurbrugg and Becky Zantout, will lead the workshops and provide time for questions.

Attendees should RSVP by January 24 by calling 815-748-5383 or e-mailing becky@dekalbccf.org.

“With three grant deadlines approaching, it can be confusing for potential applicants to know which grant program is appropriate for their proposal,” says Zantout, “The Grant Seeker Workshop is a way for nonprofit and community organizers to improve their understanding of the Community Foundation and all the grant programs offered.”

Foundation grant programs currently seeking applications include Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants (due by Feb. 1), Community Needs Grants (due by March 1), and Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants (due by March 1). Other grant programs, such as the Essential Skill Enhancement Grants and Community Economic Development Grants accept applications year round.

A list of all grant programs, grant guidelines, and application forms can be found online.

For questions or additional information, please contact Grants Manager Becky Zantout at 815-748-5383 or becky@dekalbccf.org.