Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds enable the donor to make grant recommendations to eligible organizations that align with their own charitable interests in the community. Grant recommendations are made by the donor through the Fund Portal and reviewed by the Community Foundation for final approval.

Donor Advised Fund Policy >

To discuss your charitable interests or to give back to the community by establishing a Fund of your own, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

Bill and Bonnie Mullins Family Endowment Fund

During his term as President of the Community Foundation in 2006, Bill and his wife Bonnie started this endowed Fund to provide a means for their family to make annual distributions to local charitable causes.

Donate to the Bill and Bonnie Mullins Family Endowment Fund >

Bob and Pam Bowman Fund

This Fund was established in early November 2016 by Bob and Pam Bowman to provide them a way of giving back to the community. Learn more about the Bob and Pam Bowman Fund >

Donate to the Bob and Pam Bowman Fund >

Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Endowment Fund

This Fund continues to support the charitable interests of First Lt. Brian D. Slavenas who died in Iraq while serving our nation. Learn more about the Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Endowment Fund >

Donate to the Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Endowment Fund >

Charles Krull Music Support Fund

Created in memory of Charles Krull and his love of music, this Fund provides a depository for public contributions to support low income children in DeKalb County to fully engage in music education and lessons – as determined by the donor and other community members who are active in musical arts. Learn more about the Charles Krull Music Support Fund >

Donate to the Charles Krull Music Support Fund >

Chulick Family Fund

The Chulick Family Fund was created in December 2015 by Tony and Micki Chulick of DeKalb to align with their philanthropic interests for the community. Learn more about the Chulick Family Fund >

Donate to the Chulick Family Fund >

Cowan Family Giving Fund

Created in December 2021, this Fund aligns with the charitable interests of Pete and Lisa Cowan.

Donate to the Cowan Family Giving Fund >

Curran Family Endowment Fund

Started in 2007 with a lead gift from Bill and Pat Curran of Sycamore, this endowment will allow the Currans, their children, and their families, the opportunity to make annual contributions to charitable causes that matter to them.

Donate to the Curran Family Endowment Fund >

Curt & Karen Lang Charitable Fund

Created in 2017 out of a love for the community, this Fund will allow Curt and Karen Lang to make yearly recommendations to the Foundation in support of causes that align with their charitable interests for the Sycamore community. Learn more about the Curt & Karen Lang Charitable Fund >

Donate to the Curt & Karen Lang Charitable Fund >

Custom Aluminum Products Charitable Fund

A Fund that allows employees and leadership of Custom Aluminum Products to contribute to charitable community organizations and causes that are important to them.

Donate to the Custom Aluminum Products Charitable Fund >

David & Nancy Wirsing Community Fund

Following the late State Representative’s death in 2003, widow Nancy and children Mark, Angie, Sue, and Steven decided that such a Fund would allow them to support causes in the DeKalb County area that reflect community interests important to Dave.

Donate to the David & Nancy Wirsing Community Fund >

DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund

This Fund supports expenses associated with creating, expanding, and/or renovating publicly available buildings/monuments/works in DeKalb County that honor military veterans.

Donate to the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund >

DB Paying it Forward Fund

Created by David and Beth Prestegaard to support their philanthropic interests throughout the community including agriculture, wellness and education of youth, and environment sustainability.

Donate to the DB Paying it Forward Fund >

Drake Castle Charitable Fund

Created in December of 2020, this Fund supports the charitable interests of David Castle. Learn more about the Drake Castle Charitable Fund >

Donate to the Drake Castle Charitable Fund >

Francis & Marjory Stroup Community Endowment Fund

This Fund, established in 2006 shortly before Marjory's death, will allow Mr. Stroup and his family to advise the annual distribution for community charitable recipients.

Donate to the Francis & Marjory Stroup Community Endowment Fund >

Friends of Jon Fund

This Fund honors Jon Wrenn, an adventurous and generous spirit who lived his best life with a traumatic brain injury. Jon taught the importance of caring for others, especially those often not seen, which inspires all to be better. The Friends of Jon Fund will ensure this spirit continues to inspire! Learn more about the Friends of Jon Fund >

Donate to the Friends of Jon Fund >

Gary & Joan Hanson Fund

Created in October 2016, this Fund aligns with the philanthropic interests of Gary and Joan Hanson in the community.

Donate to the Gary & Joan Hanson Fund >

James K. and Loretta M. Hipple Family Fund

This Fund was started in 2014 to facilitate the charitable interests of Jim and Loretta Hipple and their family.

Donate to the James K. and Loretta M. Hipple Family Fund >

Jay and Lynn Montgomery Fund

This Fund was created to align with their charitable interests of Jay and Lynn Montgomery, longtime Sycamore residents with a desire to give back to the community they love. Learn more about the Jay and Lynn Montgomery Fund >

Donate to the Jay and Lynn Montgomery Fund >

Jerry and Ging Smith Family Fund

This long-time couple, along with their son Eric, make yearly recommendations from this 2004 Fund in support of various community needs. Distributions include NIU, from where all three Smiths received their education, and Kishwaukee College, where Ging spent the majority of her working career.

Donate to the Jerry and Ging Smith Family Fund >

Jim Dionisopoulos & Tana Knetsch Fund

Started in December 2012 to support the causes that align with the charitable interests of Jim Dionisopoulos and Tana Knetsch.

Donate to the Jim Dionisopoulos & Tana Knetsch Fund >

Jo Ann and Robert Skabo Fund

Jo Ann and Bob Skabo created this Fund in 2014 to align with their charitable interests for the community.

Donate to the Jo Ann and Robert Skabo Fund >

Johns Family Donor Advised Fund

This Fund was created in 2003 to support the charitable interest of the Johns family in the community.

Donate to the Johns Family Donor Advised Fund >

Jon and Briana Lehan Family Fund

Created in 2022, this Fund supports the charitable interests of Jon and Briana Lehan.

Donate to the Jon and Briana Lehan Family Fund >

Karen & Joseph Grush Charitable Fund

Established in 2018 to align with the charitable interests of Karen and Joseph Grush, this Fund provides support to DeKalb County organizations that promote services for families and children. Learn more about the Karen & Joseph Grush Charitable Fund >

Donate to the Karen & Joseph Grush Charitable Fund >

Karsten Larson Fund

Established in 2012 by former YEP Chair Karsten Larson, this Fund provides grants to nonprofit and community organizations as recommended by Karsten.

Donate to the Karsten Larson Fund >

Keleher Family Endowment Fund

This Fund supports the causes that align with the charitable interests of the Keleher family.

Donate to the Keleher Family Endowment Fund >

Laing Family Charitable Fund

Created in 2017, this Fund provides support for causes that align with the charitable interests of the Laing family.

Donate to the Laing Family Charitable Fund >

Larry and Sue Kendzora Fund

Established in 1996 as the Sycamore Containers Fund, this Fund was initially created to allow Sycamore Containers to provide grant support to DeKalb County nonprofit organizations. Sycamore Containers, Inc. was purchased a number of years ago and no longer exists as a separate corporation. Today, this Fund provides grant support to charitable organizations in DeKalb County per the interests of Larry and Sue Kendzora.

Donate to the Larry and Sue Kendzora Fund >

Larson Family Fund

This Fund was established in 2011 and will allow the Larsons, their children, and their families the opportunity to make annual contributions to charitable causes that matter to them.

Donate to the Larson Family Fund >

Lehan Family Fund

Created in October 2021, this Fund supports the charitable interests of James & Jessica and Jonathan & Briana Lehan.

Donate to the Lehan Family Fund >

Lil' Sam Joy Fund

This Fund was established in memory of Samuel P. Baker II, better known as Lil' Sam. Lil' Sam was diagnosed early in life with Down syndrome. During his 15 years of life, Lil’ Sam was blessed and fortunate to experience many things, including access to the resources necessary for daily living. His family established this Fund in order to continue this legacy of kindness, access, acceptance, and teaching through an annual gift. Learn more about the Lil' Sam Joy Fund >

Donate to the Lil' Sam Joy Fund >

Lockard Family Fund

Created in December 2021, this Fund aligns with the charitable interests of Jim and Kathy Lockard and their family. The Fund provides them with an opportunity to participate in philanthropy together. Learn more about the Lockard Family Fund >

Donate to the Lockard Family Fund >

Lucille B. Nelsen Fund

The Fund was originally established in memory of Marjorie A. Nelsen, sister to Fund donor and creator Ronald Nelsen. Upon the passing of Ronald's wife in 2020, the Fund was renamed the Lucille B. Nelsen Fund in her memory.

Donate to the Lucille B. Nelsen Fund >

Mary Lou and Phil Eubanks Fund

This Fund, established in December 2014, supports the charitable interests of Mary Lou and Phil Eubanks.

Donate to the Mary Lou and Phil Eubanks Fund >

Mary Uscian Health Care Access Endowment Fund

This Fund was created in 2006 to support the medically underserved in the DeKalb County community.

Donate to the Mary Uscian Health Care Access Endowment Fund >

Mary Uscian Health Care Impact Fund

This Fund was created in 2012 to support the charitable interests of the donor, Mary Uscian.

Donate to the Mary Uscian Health Care Impact Fund >

Michael and Lana Haines Family Fund

This Fund aligns with the charitable interests of the Haines family and provide a tangible way for them to participate in philanthropy. Their interests include protecting land, air, and water for today and future generations, supporting organic, sustainable gardening and farming, increasing access to food and health care, promoting education and literacy, and creating beauty accessible to the community. Learn more about the Michael and Lana Haines Family Fund >

Donate to the Michael and Lana Haines Family Fund >

Michael C. Brown Memorial Endowment Fund

Created in memory of Michael Brown, this Fund provides his family with annual support to align with their charitable interests in the community.

Donate to the Michael C. Brown Memorial Endowment Fund >

Nancy D. Castle Charitable Fund

This Fund supports the charitable causes and interests of Nancy D. Castle.

Donate to the Nancy D. Castle Charitable Fund >

New Horizon Charitable Fund

This Fund supports the charitable interests of John and Nicole Castle and their children.

Donate to the New Horizon Charitable Fund >

Oncken Family Fund

This Fund was created by the Oncken family to support their charitable interests for the community and to provide a tangible way for them to participate in philanthropy as a family. Learn more about the Oncken Family Fund >

Donate to the Oncken Family Fund >

Peter L. Johnson Fund

This Fund was created in 2021 to honor the life and legacy of the great Pete Johnson. His love for the community and desire to help others was a true inspiration for all.

Donate to the Peter L. Johnson Fund >

Randy and Christy Hayes Charitable Family Fund

This Fund was created in November 2021 and supports the charitable interests of Randy and Christy Hayes. Learn more about the Randy and Christy Hayes Charitable Family Fund >

Donate to the Randy and Christy Hayes Charitable Family Fund >

Robert and Phyllis Miller Family Fund

With a desire to give back to the community, this Somonauk farm couple established a Fund in 2003 to enable them to make recommendations to aid various civic projects in the greater Somonauk area.

Donate to the Robert and Phyllis Miller Family Fund >

Schelkopf Family Fund

This Fund was created in June 2019 by the Schelkopf Family to align with their philanthropic interests for the community. Learn more about the Schelkopf Family Fund >

Donate to the Schelkopf Family Fund >

Sharon Kay (Kinczewski) Conlin Memorial Fund

This Fund provides annual support to programs and organizations that align with the charitable interests of Sharon Kay Conlin. Learn more about the Sharon Kay (Kinczewski) Conlin Memorial Fund >

Donate to the Sharon Kay (Kinczewski) Conlin Memorial Fund >

Somonauk Lions Club Charitable Impact Fund

This Fund provides a depository for public contributions to support charitable projects of interest to the Somonauk Lions Club, Somonauk, Illinois.

Donate to the Somonauk Lions Club Charitable Impact Fund >

Steve and Mary Safford Charitable Fund

This purpose of this Fund is to support the charitable interests of Steve and Mary Safford in the community.

Donate to the Steve and Mary Safford Charitable Fund >

Templin Family Fund

Supports the charitable interests of Dan and Kristal Templin and their children – with a future goal of this Fund becoming a Community Impact Fund to be used by the Foundation Board to respond to needs and opportunities throughout DeKalb County. Learn more about the Templin Family Fund >

Donate to the Templin Family Fund >

Terri Smialek and Marc Strauss Fund

This Fund supports the charitable interests of Terri Smialek and Marc Strauss.

Donate to the Terri Smialek and Marc Strauss Fund >

Thomas Warren & Friends Fund

This 2012 Fund keeps the memory of Thomas alive and is another of his many legacies that will live on, blessing the community.

Donate to the Thomas Warren & Friends Fund >

Todd and Christine Curtis Family Fund

This Fund provides Todd and Christine Curtis a way to express their gratitude and love for the communities throughout DeKalb County. Learn more about the Todd and Christine Curtis Family Fund >

Donate to the Todd and Christine Curtis Family Fund >

Tom and Barbara Hulseberg Fund

The Thomas A. Hulseberg Donor Advised Fund was created in 1997 by Barbara Hulseberg following Tom’s untimely death. In 2013, the name of the Fund was changed to the Tom and Barbara Hulseberg Fund to reflect the family’s ongoing active involvement, benefiting the visual arts within DeKalb County. Thomas A. Hulseberg owned a Sycamore-based painting and decorating business for 25 years. He was a member of the U.S./Illinois Snow Sculpting Team that competed successfully in several countries, including representing the USA at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Tom was an avid reader and collected modern and rare first editions. He was an art collector and enthusiast with endless knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts. Most importantly, Tom was a man who embraced people and ideas and deeply loved his family.

Donate to the Tom and Barbara Hulseberg Fund >

Turner Family Charitable Fund

Created in 2017, this Fund provides a means for the Turner family to generously support needs in the community that align with their charitable interests. Learn more about the Turner Family Charitable Fund >

Donate to the Turner Family Charitable Fund >

Victor F. Barresi Memorial Fund

This Fund was created in memory of Victor Barresi by his family to continue his practice of giving back to the community that he loved. Learn more about the Victor F. Barresi Memorial Fund >

Donate to the Victor F. Barresi Memorial Fund >

W. Bruce Lincoln Memorial Fund

Started in 2004, this Fund will allow Dr. Lincoln’s family to make recommendations that focus on causes that were important to the late NIU professor and historian.

Donate to the W. Bruce Lincoln Memorial Fund >

Wrennhouse Fund

Created in January 2021, this Fund supports the charitable interests of Kent and Kris Wrenn. Learn more about this Fund >

Donate to the Wrennhouse Fund >

Donate online to any Fund at the Community Foundation in a few easy steps. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. Together we are leaving a legacy of love and support.

Donate online >

Fundholders have 24/7 access to their Fund through the Fund Portal. The portal provides you the ability to interact with your Fund via a secure, password protected website.

Fund Portal login >