For the second consecutive year, First Midwest Bank has provided funding for a unique grant program that supports training and professional development for nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County. A $3,000 donation from First Midwest Bank supports the Professional Development MicroGrant Program, which is administered by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP), a program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

“Nonprofit organizations provide much-needed services throughout DeKalb County that help address the needs of our community,” said Mike Cullen, Regional President of First Midwest Bank. “It is a pleasure to support this grant program that directly benefits the work these organizations perform every day.”

Grants up to $250 are available through a competitive application process for the purpose of supporting professional development for DCNP-member organizations. Appropriate use of grant funds include, but are not limited to conference registration, webinars, and customized training.

Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as long as funds are available.

“Last year, DCNP offered over 50 professional development opportunities but we recognize we cannot fill every need. That’s where this grant program comes in,” said Ben Bingle, DCNP Director. “These grants can help address specific training needs in our nonprofit community on a case-by-case basis. We appreciate the support of First Midwest Bank and are excited to see these funds put to great use.”

In the last 12 months, grant recipients included 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, DeKalb County Community Gardens, Elder Care Services, CASA DeKalb County, Kishwaukee United Way, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Egyptian Theatre, Ellwood House Museum, Kishwaukee Family YMCA, We Care Pregnancy Clinic, and RAMP.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines available on dcnp.org before submitting an application.

Questions can be directed to dcnp@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.

Pictured above: Scott Tews, Assistant Director of the Ellwood House Museum, attends the American Alliance of Museums conference in New Orleans, Louisiana with partial funding from the MicroGrant Program.