The DeKalb County Community Foundation is inviting residents, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to share ideas that can help expand opportunity and improve quality of life in DeKalb County.

The Community Foundation recently launched the Upward Mobility Grant Program, a new initiative that builds on the success of the Promise Grants Program. Replacing Promise Grants, the pilot program will support creative ideas that help people build better lives in DeKalb County. The grants are open to nonprofits, community groups, and individuals working to create opportunities, connect people with resources, and help families thrive.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects focused on one or more of the following areas:

• • Education & Youth: Programs and resources that help children and teens learn and succeed
  • Health & Well-Being: Making it easier for people to get physical and mental health care
  • Housing & Transportation: Supporting safe places to live and reliable ways to get around
  • Income & Employment: Helping people find good jobs, build skills, and increase their income

The Foundation hopes to uncover ideas that address these challenges in new and meaningful ways.

“Who knows better the needs of our community than individuals and organizations who interact regularly with our underserved neighbors?” said Kyle White, Community Engagement Manager. “They have the good ideas, and this grant program is designed to give those ideas a chance.”

Getting started is simple. Between July 1 and August 1, share your idea using the short online Good Idea Form. Nonprofits, community groups, local governments, and residents are all encouraged to participate.

A committee will review submissions and invite selected applicants to complete a full application by August 15. Applicants can request up to $5,000 to bring their idea to life, and projects selected for funding will be announced in early November.

You do not need to be a nonprofit organization to apply. Projects must serve local residents and take place in DeKalb County, IL. If your idea is selected, the Foundation will help connect you with a nonprofit or government partner to receive and manage the grant funding. Funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations and units of government, not individuals. Bilingual workshops and application support will be available throughout the process.

Questions? Contact Kyle White at k.white@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.