Creating a Fund at the Community Foundation
The DeKalb County Community Foundation is home to more than 490 charitable Funds—each created to support a cause that matters. Since 1993, these Funds have awarded over $65.9 million, creating a lasting difference across DeKalb County, IL.
Creating a Fund is a simple and rewarding process. But before exploring how, we invite you to consider why. Learn why donors choose to partner with the Community Foundation—and how, together, we’re creating positive change. Watch the videos below to hear their stories.
How to Create a Fund
Creating a Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation is simple and flexible. Here’s how to get started:
Decide When to Give
You can establish your Fund today, plan it for the near future, or include it in your will or trust. Many donors choose a combination—giving during their lifetime and as part of their estate plan.
Decide What to Give
A variety of assets can be used to create your Fund, including cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, real estate, life insurance, and tangible personal property.
Choose a Name for Your Fund
You may name your Fund after yourself, your family, or in honor or memory of someone special. Some donors also choose a name that reflects the Fund’s purpose.
Choose a Type of Fund
We offer a variety of Fund types to align with your giving goal.
- Community Impact Fund
Provide broad, flexible support to meet the greatest needs in DeKalb County. Grants typically support programs such as Community Needs Grants and Emergency Grants. - Field of Interest Fund
Focus on a specific area of need (e.g., education, health, environment) or a geographic region.. - Donor Advised Fund
Recommend grants to eligible organizations over time, with ongoing involvement in your giving. - Scholarship Fund
Support students pursuing higher education. You can define eligibility, selection criteria, and areas of study. - Designated Fund
Benefit one or more specific charitable organizations, with the Foundation ensuring long-term relevance and support. - Pass Through Fund
Support a project where the principal is eventually used for its intended purpose. - Agency Fund
Created by nonprofit or public organizations to provide long-term financial stability. The Foundation manages administrative and investment duties.
- Community Impact Fund
For questions on starting a Fund at the Community Foundation, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.
Fund Fees
At the Community Foundation, your charitable dollars go further. We provide flexibility, tax advantages, and professional stewardship to help you make a lasting impact—now and for generations to come. All of this is supported by a minimal annual fee that helps sustain our mission and services.
Endowments
Endowed Funds at the Community Foundation are built to last—forever. These charitable Funds allow donors to leave a lasting legacy, supporting the causes and organizations they care about for generations to come. As the Fund grows through investment earnings, annual grants are distributed to make a meaningful difference in the quality of life across DeKalb County.
Let us partner with you to help bring your philanthropic vision to life—today and for the future.
