Community Engagement
At the DeKalb County Community Foundation, we’re committed to connecting with residents, nonprofits, and business leaders to actively shape a stronger, more resilient county—aligning with our mission to enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL.
About CommunityWorks
CommunityWorks is the platform that supports much of the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s community engagement efforts. Launched in 2003, the initiative began when the DeKalb County Community Foundation was invited by the Grand Victoria Foundation—along with 17 other Illinois community organizations—to join an endowment-building program focused on strategic grantmaking.
The initiative supports programs and addresses key community issues such as early care and education, workforce development, and land use that directly impact DeKalb County, IL, residents.
By 2011, CommunityWorks had generated $3.7 million in support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, including a dollar-for-dollar match that helped leverage more than $1 million from local donors. This collective support has enabled the creation of 20 distinct CommunityWorks Funds dedicated to strengthening and sustaining vital community impact.
Community Engagement Through Collaborative Impact
Guided by input from community members gathered at town meetings and steering committees, our board and staff craft focused impact plans across three key program areas:
CommunityWorks Funds continue to drive meaningful change through strategic grantmaking. Notable outcomes include improved effectiveness at local child care centers, better kindergarten readiness for youth, enhanced soft skills development for middle school students and teachers, updated stormwater ordinances across municipalities, and county-wide watershed planning initiatives.
CommunityWorks Grants are available by invitation only. For questions or for more information, please contact Grants & Community Initiatives Director Jolene Willis at 815-748-5383 or j.willis@dekalbccf.org.
CommunityWorks Funds are a type of Field of Interest Fund managed through the Community Foundation. Contributions can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178.
