The DeKalb County Community Foundation is proud to announce that the Karsten Larson Fund has been reclassified and renamed as the YEP Alumni Endowment Fund. Originally established in 2012 as a Donor Advised Fund, this change reflects the donor’s long-standing connection to the Community Foundation’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) program and her desire to support future youth-led giving.

Karsten Larson, a 2011 graduate of Sycamore High School, served as chair of YEP during the 2010-11 program year and was a member in its first years. Reflecting on her experience, Larson said, “Before I became part of YEP, I didn’t know what words like ‘endowment’ and ‘philanthropy’ meant. By being part of YEP, I learned how endowments work and that kids can be philanthropists every bit as much as adults.”

Larson’s YEP experience opened her eyes to the needs of the community and gave her a voice in meaningful decisions. “What impressed me about being part of YEP is that it really was up to us as students to make decisions about how the dollars we were responsible for were spent, and we took it seriously,” she said.

With support from her parents, Larson chose to give back to the community by creating a charitable Fund at the Community Foundation. It was an early example of youth philanthropy in action. In 2025, after discussions with Foundation staff and a review of options, Larson was enthusiastic about reclassifying and renaming the Fund. Now called the YEP Alumni Endowment Fund, it is a Field of Interest Fund that awards grants to eligible organizations in DeKalb County, as recommended by current YEP members.

“I grew up in DeKalb County, and even though I no longer live there, I want to give back to the community that helped shape me,” Larson said.  “It’s amazing to see how much YEP has grown over the years, and I have full confidence that the members will continue to approach their funding decisions with thoughtfulness and insight into what DeKalb County may need the most.”

Karsten and other YEP members visit previous grant recipients during a 2010 orientation meeting.

The Community Foundation is grateful to Larson for her generosity and leadership, both as a young philanthropist and as a model for YEP alumni today. Her thoughtful gift ensures continued support for youth leadership and charitable impact across DeKalb County.

The YEP Alumni Endowment Fund is a great vehicle for all YEP alum to give back to the program and support current YEP youth’s grant budget. The Fund is also open to contributions from anyone who wishes to support youth-led grantmaking in DeKalb County, including past grant recipients and those who believe in the power of youth leadership. Donations are accepted online.

“Karsten’s generosity is such an intriguing, long-term gift for YEP,” said YEP Manager Kyle White. “It’s a good story that will help students be thoughtful about the needs of our community and then support efforts to improve the quality of life for youth, now and in the future.”

For more information about creating a Fund through the Community Foundation, contact Dan Templin at dan@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.