The DeKalb County Community Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Rooted for Good Endowment Fund, created by Jim and Kathy Lockard to provide long-term support for Rooted for Good, a local nonprofit working to reduce food insecurity across DeKalb County.

The Rooted for Good Endowment Fund is a Designated Fund created to provide long-term support for Rooted for Good and its work to improve access to healthy food for individuals and families across DeKalb County.

Jim Lockard said the decision to establish the Fund is deeply personal. “Kathy and I grew up in families of modest means, and while the term did not exist at the time, food insecurity was something I experienced as a child,” Lockard said. “My family moved to a rural property largely so we could grow our own food. Looking back, that move was likely essential to our nutrition during my teen years.”

Before and after retirement, the Lockards supported community gardens and food pantries throughout the county and watched with appreciation as the DeKalb County Community Gardens grew into Rooted for Good. They see the organization as one of the most broad-based efforts addressing food insecurity locally and hope the Fund will help secure its future while encouraging others to support neighbors in need through a hand up rather than a handout.

Although the Lockards have since relocated to Kentucky, their connection to DeKalb County remains strong. DeKalb County was their primary home for 43 years, where both built their careers at Northern Illinois University.

“Our ability to give back now is a direct result of the opportunities we had in DeKalb County,” Lockard said. “We are grateful for what this community gave us and are happy to support the people and organizations that continue to make a difference here.”

Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin said the new Fund reflects the kind of forward-thinking generosity that strengthens communities for generations.

“This new Fund is a win-win-win example of generosity invested in DeKalb County,” Templin said. “The Lockards’ gift reflects a deeply held commitment to addressing food insecurity. They were able to give in a tax-advantageous way through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, and Rooted for Good benefits from establishing its first permanent Endowment Fund at the Foundation.”

Heather Edwards, Rooted for Good Executive Director, said the Fund provides lasting stability for the organization.

“We are truly grateful to the Lockard family for creating this Endowment Fund,” Edwards said. “Their generosity strengthens our ability to respond to community needs and continue building a more food-secure DeKalb County.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Rooted for Good Endowment Fund, may be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178.

To learn more about creating your own named Fund or to discuss your charitable interests, contact Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.