This spring, 17 local nonprofit and community organizations received a total of $90,930 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 distributed 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 Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Spring 2021 Community Needs Grants:

• Barb City Manor Retirement Home – $10,000 to replace an elevator system
• Building Leaders Advocating for Change – $6,800 to support a program for at-risk teens
• City of Genoa – $1,500 to purchase playground equipment
• Cor Cantiamo – $1,000 to purchase music for public performances
• DeKalb County Community Gardens – $1,600 to purchase tractor equipment
• DeKalb Rotary Club – $5,000 to collaborate with the City of DeKalb in the restoration of a historic clock in downtown DeKalb
• Fox Valley Community Services – $18,000 to provide an adult day care service
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA – $4,000 to install bilingual signage
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association – $4,000 to provide therapeutic supplies for a sensory room
• Lifting Hearts With the Arts – $1,000 to fund a program for intergenerational connections
• Nguzu Saba Men’s Club – $3,800 to create a website
• Passion Over Profit Foundation – $10,000 to support a mentorship program
• Somonauk Public Library District – $2,000 to provide books for young children
• The Growing Place – $6,380 to replace flooring
• Village of Malta – $1,650 to create a mural
• Walcamp Outdoor Ministries – $8,200 to add HVAC to a main lodge
• Waterman Police Department – $6,000 to purchase radar speed signs

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.

To donate directly to a Fund that supports Community Needs Grants, please consider a gift to the DeKalb County Community Endowment Fund.

Pictured: A spring 2021 check is delivered to Walcamp Outdoor Ministries for a much needed HVAC addition to one of the main lodges. Pictured is Community Walcamp Executive Director Bill Indelli and Foundation Board member Justin Wegener (Sandwich).