The DeKalb County Community Foundation is currently accepting funding requests for Community Needs Grants, Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants, and YEP Grants. Nonprofit and eligible public sector direct service organizations are encouraged to apply. Application deadlines and eligibility requirements vary for each grant program.

Community Needs Grants

Community Needs Grants support the charitable needs and efforts of our local nonprofit and public sector direct service organizations. Funding for this grant program is made possible through ongoing donor generosity to Community Impact Funds at the Community Foundation. Last year, this grant program provided over $250,000 in support to address needs and opportunities in DeKalb County. Application deadline is Monday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants

Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education for nonprofit and public sector direct service organizations throughout DeKalb County and the greater Chicagoland area. Funding for this grant program is made possible through the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation. Last year, this grant program provided over $200,000 in support of music education. Application deadline is Monday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m.

YEP Grants

YEP Grants support programs and projects that impact youth in DeKalb County. Projects considered for funding must directly involve youth, promote youth empowerment and leadership, and be dedicated to the local community. Funding for this grant program is made possible through the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund at the Community Foundation. Last year, this grant program provided over $12,500 in support of youth impact and development. Application deadline is Monday, February 1 at 11:59 p.m.

For application questions or to learn more about grantmaking opportunities, please contact Grants Director Tiffany McQueen Lewis, at 815-748-5383 or grants@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured above: A 2019 Community Needs Grant provided partial support ($75,000) for a renovation project at the Egyptian Theatre located in downtown DeKalb. Renovations were completed in the fall of 2020 and the results are amazing. Learn more about this project at egyptiantheatre.org.