Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) proudly announces the award of $19,200 in grants to support youth-serving projects and programs across DeKalb County. A total of 13 community and nonprofit organizations received funding through this youth-led grantmaking initiative. Pictured: YEP recognized $19,200 in youth impact grants during their May 2026 meeting at the Regale Center in Sycamore.

“It was an honor to help lead YEP’s grant decisions this year,” said YEP Grants Chair Ryken Scott of Genoa Kingston High School. “These grants support nonprofits serving youth in our area.”

This year, YEP received over $35,000 in grant requests. After thoughtful review, discussion, and a final approval from the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors, the YEP committee awarded funding to the following organizations:

2026 YEP Grant Recipients:

• Rooted for Good – $2,539 to purchase hygiene products for school district-wide food pantries
• Tails Humane Society – $2,025 to purchase “pet adoption kit” supplies for a youth volunteer program to assemble and distribute
• Genoa Public Library District – $1,786 to purchase VR and drone technology to enhance and increase student involvement, in K-8 STEM program
• Suicide Prevention Services -$1,639 to purchase play therapy games, toys, and craft items for youth who struggle with suicidal thoughts and/or are affected by suicide
• Two Rivers Head Start Agency – $1,639 to purchase culturally representative books and toys for a diverse children’s (ages 3–5) development program
• DeKalb CUSD #428 – $1,610 to purchase additional bilingual books (English/Spanish) to enhance elementary classrooms
• Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, INC. – $1,289 to purchase educational materials and supplies for a mentoring program focused on the mental health of underserved youth
• Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, INC. – $2,500 proactive grant from the YEP 2.Pro committee to support FSA’s “Roots to Rise” initiative supporting its youth shelter program
• Neighbors’ House – $1,189 to purchase books and activity supplies for summer reading programs in income-eligible housing
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA – $859 to acquire laser tag equipment, kettlebells, and medicine balls to increase middle school and high school youth involvement in healthy activities
• Northern Public Radio (WNIU/WNIJ) – $789 to purchase soccer tournament supplies for an annual cross-cultural family festival
• CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocate – $539 to purchase supplies for a 5K event supporting youth in the court system who have experienced abuse or neglect
• Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 – $408 to purchase equipment for livestream, student-led high school sports broadcasts
• Children’s Community Theatre – $389 to purchase a keyboard and music stands for a youth theatre program serving actors with special needs

YEP is a youth-led program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation that introduces high school students to philanthropy, nonprofits, and grantmaking. Throughout the year, students participate in nonprofit site visits, engage in community conversations, and review grant applications to award funding that supports youth across DeKalb County. This year, the YEP committee included 79 high school students representing eight schools.

For questions about YEP or grantmaking, please contact YEP Staff Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.white@dekalbccf.org.