The DeKalb County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for spring 2022 Community Needs Grants, Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants, and Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants. Nonprofit and public sector organizations are encouraged to apply.

Community Needs Grants

Community Needs Grants support the charitable needs and efforts of local nonprofit and public sector 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 $240,000 in support to address needs and fund projects in DeKalb County. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Contact grants staff with questions or for assistance at grants@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education for nonprofit and public sector 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 $210,000 in support of music education. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Contact Arts & Culture Consultant George Buck with questions or for assistance at george@dekalbccf.org.

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 $13,500 in support of youth impact and development. Application deadline is Tuesday, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. Contact YEP Staff Advisor Noah Nordbrock with questions or for assistance at noah@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.

Pictured above: A 2020 Community Needs Grant provided partial support ($12,000) to the Kirkland Historical Society for the purchase of a permanent home for their displays, artifacts, and photographs. A celebratory open house and ribbon cutting was held in fall 2021. Learn more about this project at kirklandhistoricalsociety.com.