The DeKalb County Community Foundation is delighted to announce the YEP Forever Fund, an endowed Fund created to support the ongoing operations of Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP). YEP is a high school youth-led committee of the Community Foundation with a mission to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County. This Fund, initiated by donors Karen and her late husband Joe Grush, ensures the sustainability of YEP and its mission to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County.

In 2024, the Community Foundation Board committed $500,000 of its unrestricted resources to the YEP Forever Fund. In 2025, YEP launched a soft campaign to raise the final $150,000 needed for full funding. Thanks to generous donors, $80,000 has already been committed. An anonymous donor has provided a $25,000 pledge as a $1:$1 matching gift—doubling the impact of new contributions. Every donation, no matter the size, brings YEP closer to their goal and is deeply appreciated. 

Karen and the late Joe Grush, YEP Forever Fund donors.

Karen Grush, a dedicated Community Foundation Board member, shared the inspiration behind their contribution. “When I joined the Board, I had a solid understanding of the Foundation’s work, however, I didn’t realize the full impact of some of its initiatives. One that truly stood out to me was YEP—an incredible program that engages high school students in philanthropy. I frequently found myself telling my husband, Joe, about this unique initiative, wishing our grandchildren had the opportunity to experience something like it.”

“We worked closely with our grandchildren on the concept of giving,” Karen said. “It was important to us  that they understood the meaning of philanthropy and actually engaged in it. They were always encouraged to share a portion of monetary gifts they received with organizations that they chose that focused on families and children. They also have been encouraged to volunteer for causes that make life better for others. This early experience with them sparked our commitment to the YEP program that reached even more youth. For those that participate, it is our hope that their experience in the program establishes a lasting philanthropic spirit as they become adults.”

In the spring of 2021, while serving on the Foundation’s finance committee, Karen realized that YEP lacked stable and dedicated financial operational revenue. Inspired by YEP’s mission and the enthusiasm of its members, Karen and Joe met with the YEP Fundraising Committee in 2022 and decided to establish the YEP Forever Fund.

YEP provides high school students with invaluable experiences, strengthening their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. Participants learn about community engagement, nonprofit organizations, grantmaking, and stewardship, preparing them for future roles as civic-minded leaders. For many, YEP is their first exposure to community development and the power of philanthropy.

“YEP introduced me to the meaning of philanthropy,” said Krystal Baggett, a YEP member from DeKalb High School (‘25). “By definition, philanthropy is the act of ‘promoting the welfare of others.’ But to me, it’s more than that. It’s enjoyable—it means volunteering, being inclusive, sharing, and spreading kindness in the world around you. As a member of YEP’s leadership team this year, I saw firsthand how important operational support is for this incredible youth-led, adult-directed program. To those who wish to donate, THANK YOU!”

“Alumni and community support are needed to ensure YEP’s future,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin. “We know that YEP has made a real impact in the lives of hundreds of DeKalb County youth over the last 16 years.  We are hopeful that some of those youth, their parents, and other community members who value this program will consider donating to the YEP Forever Fund.”

To contribute to the YEP Forever Fund, donations can be made online or by mail to DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For more information, contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

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