This spring, 25 local nonprofit and community organizations received a total of $125,619 in support for a variety of programs and projects aimed at serving the needs of the community. Funding was made possible from donor generosity to the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the power of endowment.

Available in the spring and fall each year, Community Needs Grants are available to eligible organizations in DeKalb County. Applications align with five grantmaking interest areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, Environment & Animal Welfare, and Health & Human Services. A grants committee, consisting of Community Foundation volunteer board members and staff, review each application. Grant recommendations receive final approval from the full Foundation Board of Directors.

Spring 2020 Community Needs Grants:

• Barb City Manor Retirement Home – $1,000 to purchase a point-of-service system and assist with a remodel of a resale shop
• Cor Cantiamo – $2,000 to purchase music for public performances and youth outreach
• DeKalb County Animal Welfare League – $3,300 to purchase new cat condos
• DeKalb County Community Gardens– $6,500 to support a Farm-to-Pantry program
• DeKalb County Forest Preserve – $5,000 to build a field station classroom
• DeKalb County Health Department – $7,053 to enhance community emergency preparedness
• DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau, Inc. – $6,000 to fund training in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics for staff
• DeKalb Public Library – $5,000 to expand accessibility at the library
• Epilepsy Advocacy Network – $2,200 to support a youth advocacy program
• Fox Valley Family YMCA – $4,000 to provide Parent Resource materials and a library
• Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 – $2,000 to purchase 3-D prints for a STEM technology program
• Hiawatha CUSD #426 – $5,000 to provide a Maker Space for students in technology, science, and art
• Hiawatha Elementary School – $2,000 to provide a youth health program
• Kirkland Public Library – $2,000 to assist with repair and enhancement of the Kirkland Public Library
• Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District – $10,000 to enable a northern DeKalb sewer study
• Milestone, Inc. – $3,474 to purchase ultrasonic surgery equipment
• Northern Illinois Food Bank – $9,867 to assist with capacity building for food distribution throughout DeKalb County
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center – $3,100 to purchase a heavy duty commercial washer and dryer set
• Randy’s Rescue NFP – $1,500 to provide stall shelters
• Sandwich Opera House (ARCH) – $8,000 to assist with updating the current restroom facilities
• Sudden Cardiac-death Awareness Research Foundation – $3,000 to supply AEDs and CPR/AED use training
• The Growing Place – $15,000 to restore and replace the parking lot
• Village of Malta – $1,225 to help fund the creation of a mural
• Village of Waterman – $7,400 to assist with the installation of a splash pad
• Westminster Presbyterian Church – $10,000 to support a series of community dinners

One of several grantmaking programs at the Foundation, Community Needs Grants receive funding through community impact funds, field of interest funds, and donor advised funds. Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate, or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information on grants, please contact Grants Director Tiffany McQueen Lewis at 815-748-5383 or tiffany@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: A spring 2020 virtual site visit with Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District for a Community Needs Grant request. The result, a $10,000 grant to enable a northern DeKalb sewer study.