The DeKalb County Community Foundation and the Ellwood House Museum are excited to announce the Ellwood House Racial Diversity Internship Fund. This new endowed Designated Fund contributes to funding an annual internship opportunity at the Ellwood House Museum. The internship is exclusively for a person of color, who is a currently enrolled college student or a recent college graduate.

The Fund was seeded by long-time Ellwood House supporters and local philanthropists, Jerry and Annette Johns.

“We are honored to partner with Jerry and Annette Johns and other donors in managing this important Fund for the benefit of Ellwood House Museum, who is making a tangible commitment to build diversity into the life of their mission,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

This original donation not only created a new Fund, but it opens the door for other donors to join in this wonderful opportunity to support the Ellwood House. The Fund is currently seeking donations to help it reach its full desired potential for the internship opportunity.

“I’m grateful to Jerry and Annette, our board members, and everyone in the community who is helping to make the museum site a more inclusive space for our students,” said Ellwood House Director Brian Reis. “We want to provide an environment for students to learn by working in the museum and to sustain the Ellwood House as an engaging place for all.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Ellwood House Racial Diversity Internship Fund, can be made online, or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to get started creating your own charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.