Together, with the support of our donors, the DeKalb County Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL. Grants from the Foundation come from a variety of grant programs we offer. Each program is unique in how to apply, who it supports, and the impact it creates. So how do these grants impact the community in which we live? Learn more in this grant in action story below! 

On Monday, August 10, 2020, a tornado hit the Walnut Grove Vocational Farm in Kirkland. The strong winds completely destroyed the DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) primary greenhouse and caused damage to a second greenhouse structure.

The primary greenhouse is significant to the seeding, growth, and care of plants that are sold in the spring to bring in important revenue to the DCCG. Also located inside this greenhouse is a heating system designed to handle the weather in the spring and a water system to care for the plants.

“It was urgent that we rebuild our greenhouse as soon as possible so it could be operational for the spring,” said Dan Kenney, DCCG Executive Director. “Even with insurance covering a major portion of the costs, we knew it would not meet the total need.”

DCCG applied for emergency funding from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to assist in the replacement of the primary greenhouse and repair the second greenhouse. Through the Community Foundation’s Emergency Grants program, DCCG started the process of soliciting quotes for the greenhouse materials and installation. Meanwhile, storm clean-up and salvage from inside the demolished greenhouse continued.

“It gave us great peace of mind knowing that some immediate support was available,” said Jackie DiNatale, DCCG Communications Director. “Without the all-around support of the Community Foundation and other donors, we wouldn’t be able to bounce back from crisis situations like this.”

Funding for the Emergency Grant program is made possible through ongoing donor generosity to COMMUNITY IMPACT FUNDS at the Community Foundation. 

Thank you to the donors whose gifts make grants like these possible!

DeKalb County Community Gardens empowers DeKalb County residents to access healthy, sustainable foods through community education and participation.