The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Impact Investing program, offering local nonprofit organizations, businesses, and donors meaningful opportunities to create lasting change throughout DeKalb County.

The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation has committed $500,000 to launch this program, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to using charitable resources in sustainable ways that benefit our community.

Impact investing goes beyond traditional philanthropy by using charitable dollars to invest in local social impact projects in addition to grant support. These investments—such as loans, loan guarantees, or equity commitments—are repaid to the Community Foundation and then reinvested in new projects, creating a continuous cycle of community benefit.

“Impact investing allows us to do more than grants alone can,” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin. “The Foundation is becoming a local financial equity provider —making investments in DeKalb County that deliver social and economic benefits while generating returns for reinvestment.”

The new program is designed to address local needs in education, economic development, environmental sustainability, and equity, among other fields of interest. Impact investments can help nonprofits and businesses secure the funding they need, especially those that might not qualify for traditional loans. In some cases, using a combination of grants and loans may best meet a nonprofit organization’s needs. The goal is to support strong, sustainable projects that create positive change across DeKalb County.

As part of this program, the Foundation also offers Emergency Bridge Loans to help eligible nonprofit organizations manage short-term cash flow gaps while awaiting committed support such as grants or reimbursements.

Eligible nonprofit or for profit organizations are encouraged to review the Impact Investing criteria and requirements and submit an application online. Applications will be carefully evaluated by Community Foundation staff to ensure they are viable and align with the Foundation’s mission. Approved applicants receive the funding they need to move forward, and as those dollars are repaid, they will be reinvested into future projects throughout DeKalb County. Loans may offer below-market rates and are designed to be accessible to organizations that may be overlooked by traditional lenders.

This new approach also offers donors a meaningful way to increase the impact of their charitable giving. Contributions to the Invest DeKalb County Fund become part of a dedicated pool of dollars used for local investments. Unlike traditional grants that are spent once, these investments are repaid, allowing the same dollars to support project after project for years to come.

“Your gift doesn’t just make an impact today—it makes an impact again and again,” Templin said. “We invite donors to join us in using philanthropy as a tool for sustainable, long-term community development.”

To explore impact investment opportunities, support the Invest DeKalb County Fund, or review program guidelines, visit dekalbccf.org/impact-investing or contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.