Two community organizations received Build the Future Grants totaling $150,000 to support capital projects that align with Community Foundation priorities, including health and human services and community development. This round of funding concludes the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s second year of the Build the Future Grants program. Pictured above: Safe Passage and Community Foundation representatives at the site of the “Building New Beginnings” shelter.

2026 Build the Future Grants:

• Safe Passage – $100,000 for the Building New Beginnings shelter campaign
• DeKalb Park District – $50,000 Welsh Park Shelter & Electrical Upgrades

Rebecca Versluys, Executive Director of Safe Passage, says that the new shelter “will help Safe Passage create a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families, allowing them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

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.

“A new park shelter and electrical improvements at Welsh Park will enhance community events while expanding opportunities to host additional events in the future” said Paul Zepezauer, DeKalb Park District Executive Director, on the impact of the granted project.

“Build the Future Grants give the Foundation an opportunity to make significant investments in projects that will have a lasting impact on our county,” said Jolene Willis, Grants & Community Initiatives Director. “By supporting new and expanded facilities, we can help local organizations build their capacity, serve more residents, and create spaces that will benefit DeKalb County for years to come.”

The Build the Future grant program opens once a year, with Letters of Intent accepted beginning February 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.

Community Foundation representatives present a grant to DeKalb Park District’s Paul Zepezauer at Welsh Park.