Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) proudly announces the award of $23,753 in grants to support youth-serving projects and programs across DeKalb County. A total of 13 community and nonprofit organizations received funding through this youth-led grantmaking initiative.

“I felt good about YEP’s grant decision making process this year. It was an honor to lead it,” said YEP Grants Chair Ryken Scott of Genoa Kingston High School. “These grants will allow nonprofits to help more youth in our community.”

This year, YEP received over $30,000 in grant requests. After thoughtful review, discussion, and final approval from the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors, the YEP committee awarded funding to the following organizations:

2025 YEP Grant Recipients:

• Adventure Works – $1,850 to purchase tools and fencing for a Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary
• Children’s Community Theatre – $1,804 for new wireless microphones to enhance performances
• DeKalb County Health Department – $2,143 to support teen parents with baby care kits, essential supplies, and local resources
• DeKalb CUSD #428 – $2,200 to expand bilingual library collections for 2nd and 3rd grade students
• Family Service Agency – $1,000 to support specific needs for the Little Campers summer program
• Family Service Agency – A $5,000 YEP 2.Pro proactive grant to support FSA’s ongoing program efforts to address youth mental health and increase youth engagement in the community
• Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 – $693 to expand media gear for the student communication intern program
• Genoa Township Park District – $2,463 to replace outdated lifeguard equipment and provide AED trainers for pool staff
• Girls on the Run – $400 to purchase updated coaching curriculum for youth participants
• Goodfellows of DeKalb/Sycamore – $2,000 to provide gift boxes and wrapping for Christmas clothing donations
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA – $1,100 for a foldable playset and sensory tables in the Kid Zone
• Northern Public Radio WNIU/WNIJ – $2,000 to purchase tents and speakers for Familia Fest and other family events
• Opportunity DeKalb – $100 to provide printed materials for youth learning activities at the Community Entrepreneurship Showcase
• Mary School (DeKalb) – $1,000 to purchase a 3D printer and filament for STEM curriculum in grades 5–8

YEP is a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation that introduces high school students to philanthropy, nonprofits, and grantmaking. Each year, students participate in nonprofit site visits, engage in community conversations, and ultimately review grant applications to distribute more than $17,000 in support of youth impact. This year’s YEP committee included 78 high school students representing 12 different schools in DeKalb County.