With donor support, the DeKalb County Community Foundation works to enhance quality of life across DeKalb County. Our grants come from a variety of programs—each with unique goals, applicants, and impact. How do these grants make a difference where we live? Find out in the story below. Thank you to our generous donors! Community Needs Grants are made possible through gifts to Community Impact Funds.

Preserving the Past, Enriching the Present

See this grant in action story in the 2024 Annual Report!

Though much of DeKalb County is farmland, it’s classified as “urban” with over 100,000 residents—yet nine of its 14 towns have fewer than 2,000 people. The DeKalb County History Center is working to ensure every resident sees themselves reflected in our shared history.

Located on the former Engh Farm property in Sycamore, the History Center is reimagining its campus to strengthen community, spark conversation, and foster deeper engagement. After a series of creative planning sessions, the Center developed a vision to transform its indoor and outdoor spaces.

In spring 2024, the Community Foundation awarded the Center a $100,000 multiyear Community Needs Grant. A matching grant from the State of Illinois and additional fundraising secured the remaining funds to move forward.

Planned enhancements include:

• • Stabilize and interpret the historic corn crib as a multi-use space
  • Expand gardens for outdoor learning and food pantry support
  • Add a walking path highlighting local agricultural history
  • Replace an existing home (moved in partnership with Habitat for Humanity) with a new activity pavilion Groundbreaking is set for spring 2025, with completion later that year. Programming in the new spaces will begin in spring 2026.

“Our vision is to harness strong partnerships and the power of collaboration to showcase history throughout DeKalb County.” – Michelle Donahoe, Executive Director, History Center

Discover more grant in action stories >

 

DeKalb County History Center conceptual campus master plan