The  DeKalb County Community Foundation supports a variety of interest areas and needs throughout DeKalb County. This spring, 18 local nonprofit and community organizations received Community Needs Grants totaling $113,528. The supported projects span a wide range of community priorities—from public safety and education to the arts and preservation of local history. (Pictured above: Walcamp Executive Director Bill Indelli accepts a Spring 2025 grant award from Community Foundation Board member Shawn Blobaum, supporting overnight camp improvements for local youth.)

“We’re grateful for the generous support that made it possible to purchase our new specialized delivery vehicle—affectionately known as the Hot Shot,” said Ellen Rogers, Grants Management Director at Voluntary Action Center. “With both a holding oven and refrigeration unit, the vehicle allows us to safely deliver food for Meals on Wheels, local childcare and adult care centers, and the Head Start program.”

Community Needs Grants are distributed to eligible organizations in DeKalb County each spring and fall. Applications align with the Community Foundation’s five grantmaking interest areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, Environment & Animal Welfare, and Health & Human Services.

Spring 2025 Community Needs Grants:

• Barb City Manor Retirement Community – $15,000 to upgrade their security camera system
• Bethany Preschool Center, Inc – $626 to purchase a light table and curriculum
• DeKalb County Health Department – $4,360 to update welcome rooms with interactive activity wall boards
• Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area – $1,000 to support youth mental health services in DeKalb County
• Genoa-Kingston CUSD 424 – $2,700 to purchase a class set of graphing calculators for low-income students
• Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 – $7,000 to purchase a light board, sound system and related theater equipment
• Kirkland Community FPD – $12,000 to purchase a Defibtech Lifeline Arm Chest compression system
• Kirkland Historical Society – $5,000 to improve building infrastructure through HVAC and flooring upgrades
• KVAL NFP – $2,700 to purchase stage lighting and related equipment
• Malta Township Public Library – $3,200 to update public access computer lab
• Maple Park & Countryside Fire Protection District – $1,647 to purchase a battery powered chainsaw
• Northern Illinois University Police Department – $2,100 to purchase AEDs to outfit in NIU police vehicles
• Northern Public Radio – WNIU/WNIJ – $6,500 to fortify and improve the audio broadcast chain and tower
• Sycamore Beautification Committee – $8,300 for the Sycamore Downtown Mural project
• Sycamore Park District – $12,000 to replace the WPA Shelter roof and add historical signage
• The Growing Place – $5,895 to install a privacy wall for meetings with family and staff
• Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois – $18,500 to help purchase a delivery vehicle with oven and refrigeration units.
• Walcamp Outdoor Ministries – $5,000 to purchase new tables for the main lodge, replace old bunk beds, and purchase 2 portable hand washing stations

“A grant like this makes a lasting impact,” said Bill Indelli, Walcamp Executive Director. “The $5,000 will provide new beds and tables, enhancing the overnight camping experience for local youth who visit our camp each year. For many children, this is their first time away from home. These essential furnishings will provide comfort and security as they build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form lifelong friendships in a camp setting.”

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 Funds at the Community Foundation can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information, please contact grants@dekalbccf.org.