The DeKalb County Community Foundation announced the first distributions from its new Build the Future Grants program. Three community organizations received multi-year awards totaling $140,000 to support capital projects that align with Community Foundation priorities, including human services, food security, and animal welfare. Pictured: Demolition of the oldest outbuilding at Oaken Acres Wildlife Center began in August to make room for a new space dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned raccoons. Oaken Acres is one of the only options for orphaned raccoons in northern Illinois, caring for nearly 200 each year.

2025 Build the Future Grants:

• Rooted for Good – $80,000 for a community health, education, and food center capital campaign
• Oaken Acres Wildlife Center – $30,000 for construction of a new raccoon rehabilitation center
• DeKalb County Forest Preserve District – $30,000 for surface construction on the Genoa to Kingston (G2K) Trail

“With this grant, we can sustain and grow our programs, meeting the rising needs of our community and taking meaningful steps toward a future without food insecurity,” said Heather Edwards, executive director of Rooted for Good. “We are very grateful to the Community Foundation and their donors for this grant.”

Build the Future Grants are awarded annually to eligible organizations in DeKalb County to support the construction or expansion of new facilities. These investments help organizations strengthen their capacity and enhance the services they provide to residents.

 “Oaken Acres’ commitment to the future guides our efforts to help both wildlife and people live more compassionate lives,” said Kathy Stelford, president of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center. “We are on the road to building an efficient, secure, and healthy new center for orphaned raccoons. Not just for them but for our staff, too.”

The Build the Future Grant program opens once a year, with Letters of Intent accepted beginning January 1. For details on the application process, timeline, and eligibility, visit the Build the Future Grants webpage. To explore application eligibility and future projects, contact Jolene Willis at j.willis@dekalbccf.org or the Foundation’s grants staff at grants@dekalbccf.org.