We are excited to announce that Kyle White has joined the DeKalb County Community Foundation staff as the part-time Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) manager. In this role, Kyle serves as the lead staff advisor for the YEP program, collaborating closely with the youth-led YEP Executive Committee. He will assist the high school members through meetings, volunteer activities, and grantmaking decisions all while fostering leadership and community engagement among our student members.

Kyle brings over three decades of experience working with students and nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County. He currently serves as the special projects coordinator for Rooted For Good (formerly DeKalb County Community Gardens). Kyle was the founding director of Neighbors’ House, a local nonprofit, and previously served as youth pastor at Crossview Church in DeKalb.

A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism. He and his wife Barb, married for 33 years, have two children who were both actively involved in the YEP program during their high school years.

“I look forward to working with YEP members to care for our neighbors and improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County,” said Kyle. “My last 30 years were spent working with students and nonprofits in DeKalb County; YEP is a great way to continue that.”

Outside of his role at the Foundation, Kyle is a talented author and illustrator. In his free time, he enjoys writing, drawing, walking, kayaking, camping, traveling, and volunteering with Neighbors’ House.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Kyle as he begins his new role at the Community Foundation!

Serving the community since 1993, the DeKalb County Community Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that enhances the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL, through endowments & donor services, stewardship, grantmaking, and community initiatives. The Community Foundation awards grants in the areas of arts & culture, community development, environment & animal welfare, education, health & human services, and nonprofit capacity building. Today, the Foundation manages over 477 Funds that, collectively, provide over $4 million in annual support for needs today and in the future.