The DeKalb County Community Foundation invites nonprofit and public sector organizations to apply for spring 2026 Community Needs Grants and Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants. Learn more or apply online.

Pictured above: A past Community Needs Grant to Voluntary Action Center contributed to the purchase of a new delivery vehicle for its Meals on Wheels program.

Community Needs Grants

Community Needs Grants support the capital needs of local nonprofit and public sector organizations. Last year, this grant program provided $228,520 to address needs and support projects in DeKalb County. The application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Funding is made possible through on-going donor generosity to Community Impact Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation.

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants

Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education for nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Preference is given to organizations serving DeKalb County residents due to Wurlitzer’s local heritage. Last year, this grant program provided $241,400 to support music education. The application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Funding is made possible through the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation.

For questions on grant programs or additional assistance, please contact grants staff at grants@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.