Grantmaking at a Glance

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL by investing in quality programs and initiatives that provide equal opportunities and serve our community.

There are a variety of grant programs offered through the Community Foundation. Each grant is unique in the requirements, intended audience, application process, and deadline. How do grants impact the community in which we live?

Check out these inspiring grants in action stories >

For questions about grant programs, please contact us at 815-748.5383 or grants@dekalbccf.org. Learn even more about the Foundation's grant programs in the Grant Seekers Workshop video or information below.

If you're on this page but looking for a scholarship, visit our scholarships page.

Grant Program

Application Opens
Application Closes
Current Status
Community Needs Grants (Spring)
January 1March 1Closed
Community Needs Grants (Fall)
July 1September 1Closed
DeKalb County COVID-19 Response Grants
N/AN/AClosed
Economic Development Implementation Grants
OngoingN/AOPEN
Emergency Grants
OngoingN/AOPEN
Essential Skills Grants
Invitation OnlyN/AClosed
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants (Spring)
January 1March 1Closed
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants (Fall)
July 1September 1Closed
Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Grants
October 1December 1Closed
Promise Grants
August 15October 1Closed
Watershed Implementation Grants
Invitation OnlyN/AClosed
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants
December 1February 1Closed

VIDEO - Grant Seekers Workshop

In this 60-minute presentation, learn more about the grant programs offered through the Community Foundation. Each grant program is unique in the requirements, intended audience, application process, and deadline.


Nondiscrimination Policy - Grantmaking

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex and gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, pregnancy, veteran status, military obligations, marital or parental status, political affiliation, or any other improper criterion be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available by the Community Foundation, and any other program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds appropriated for grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance administered by the Community Foundation.