This spring, 22 local nonprofit and public sector organizations received a total of $156,455 in support for a variety of programs and projects aimed at serving the needs of the community. Grants were made possible through donor generosity to Funds at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

Upon learning of their grant award, Sarah Ziegler, head of the Kirkland Rec League said, “We are so excited! I want to share our gratitude with the Community Foundation for believing in our mission and providing a much needed renovation of our facility.”

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.

Spring 2022 Community Needs Grants:

• 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care – $5,000 to support moving expenses
• Barb City Manor Retirement Home – $10,000 to replace an elevator system
• Cor Cantiamo – $3,000 to purchase music for public performances
• Cortland Community Library – $4,000 to expand book shelving
• DeKalb County Community Gardens – $3,000 to purchase farming equipment
• DeKalb Fire Department – $5,000 to purchase bags and mounts for fire equipment tools
• Faith United Methodist Church – $7,500 to update and expand their Genoa Preschool playground
• Fox Valley Community Services – $7,255 to remodel bathrooms for ADA compliance
• Genoa Township Park District – $1,500 to purchase supplies for an aqua fitness class
• Kirkland Rec League – $14,700 to renovate baseball fields
• Kishwaukee Education Consortium – $25,000 to provide welding equipment for a new educational facility
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA – $5,200 to purchase portable basketball hoops
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association – $1,500 to obtain technology for an adult day program
• Little Lambs Preschool – $7,500 to renovate a playground
• Northern Public Radio – $4,000 to connect with Spanish speaking individuals in the community and create informational opportunities for them
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center – $12,000 to purchase a generator
• Preservation of Egyptian Theatre – $5,000 to provide monitors for dressing rooms with live feed of stage
• RAMP – $2,400 to provide supplies for a peer mentoring program
• Sandwich Opera House (ARCH) – $12,500 to repair exterior brick
• Sir Donald Foundation – $10,000 to provide supplies to connect individuals to services after incarceration
• Somonauk Public Library District – $2,400 to provide early literacy and school readiness workstations
• Waterman Lion’s Club Charities – $8,000 to renovate a park shelter

“We appreciate the donors who make these grants possible and we look forward to the community impact that will result from these meaningful projects,” said Grants & DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) Director Ben Bingle.

One of several grantmaking programs at the Community 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, 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@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: A spring 2022 grant check is delivered to Open Door Rehabilitation Center in Sandwich to support the purchase of a generator. Pictured is Open Door’s Program Coordinator Laurie Wisdom and Community Foundation Board member Michael Constant (Hinckley). Open Door provides care and opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities which enrich their quality of life.