Please join us in welcoming Austin Schroeder and Kyle White to the DeKalb County Community Foundation staff.

In his role as grants manager, Austin will join the grants staff to help administer various grantmaking programs, support grant distributions, efficiently manage databases, and track grant outcomes. Austin is a proud graduate of Northern Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit and NGO Studies with a minor in marketing.

“Being part of a team dedicated to making DeKalb County a better place to live, work, and visit is truly inspiring,” said Austin. “I’m excited to connect with local nonprofits and support their missions through grantmaking.”

As the part-time Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) manager, Kyle White will serve as the lead staff advisor for the YEP program. He will work closely with the youth-led YEP Executive Committee to guide high school members through meetings, volunteer activities, and grantmaking decisions, all while fostering leadership and community engagement. Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

“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.”

“Our staff team is excited for Austin and Kyle to join us in our services that include distributing grants from various charitable Funds that donors have entrusted to us over the years, as well as partnering with youth to encourage their understanding of the nonprofit sector and practice of philanthropy as they prepare for adulthood,” said Executive Director Dan Templin.

Pictured: Austin Schroeder and Kyle White

Founded in 1993, the DeKalb County Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in DeKalb County through endowments, stewardship, grantmaking, and community initiatives. The Foundation awards grants across multiple areas including arts & culture, community development, environment & animal welfare, education, health & human services, and nonprofit capacity building. Today, the Foundation manages over 477 Funds, collectively providing more than $4 million annually to support current and future community needs.