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 recap below. Thank you to our generous donors! Support for our economic work is made possible through donor generosity to the Foundation’s Community Impact Funds.

Strengthening Local Economies, Together

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

In 2016, the Community Foundation launched a $600,000 grant program for economic development planning and projects in DeKalb County, offering up to $40,000 per community. Grants were also made available to the DeKalb County Government to support countywide economic development efforts.

Final grants from this program were awarded in 2024. Communities renewed or initiated local economic development plans to promote growth, focusing on downtown improvement, business development, tourism, and infrastructure.

Community Planning/Projects:

• • Town of Cortland
    Loves Road Pedestrian Path
  • City of DeKalb
    Opportunity DeKalb’s Business Acceleration Services
  • City of Genoa
    Enhanced Riverfront and Updated Economic Development Plans
  • City of Sandwich
    Economic Development Initiatives
  • City of Sycamore
    Industrial Development Study
  • DeKalb County Government
    Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update
  • Village of Hinckley
    Harvesting our Future Project
  • Village of Kingston
    Safe Walks Project
  • Village of Kirkland
    Downtown Community Event Lot
  • Village of Lee
    Beautification and Veterans Memorial Park
  • Village of Malta
    Malta Wayfinding Sign System
  • Village of Maple Park
    Planning and Playground Project
  • Village of Shabbona
    Purdy Park Phase 1
  • Village of Somonauk
    Downtown Beautification Project
  • Village of Waterman
    Updated Comprehensive Plan

“Thank you to our generous supporters who remained committed to fostering economic opportunities throughout DeKalb County.” – Jolene Willis, Grants & Community Initiatives Director, Community Foundation

Discover more grant in action stories >