Community Economic Development Implementation Grants
The DeKalb County Community Foundation developed the Community Economic Development Implementation Grant program to enhance economic development progress for municipalities and communities as part of a renewed commitment to support economic development throughout DeKalb County, IL.
Through donor support, a total of $300,000 is committed to this grant program. Each community is eligible to apply for a maximum of $20,000 over the life of the grant program, which is expected to last up to three years. Grant applications must reference a recently completed community economic development plan and connect to recommended implementation projects within the plan.
This grant program provides an opportunity for communities in DeKalb County to apply for funding to implement projects that support their economic plans, or to support continued economic planning.
"Our goal is to support local communities in economic development, build upon the planning process, and put plans into action. We hope this grant program provides momentum toward positive change.”
Applying for a Grant
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly. Applicants must be either a municipality, and organization working in partnership with the municipality, or the county government. Each application is reviewed by a volunteer committee consisting of Community Foundation Board members and staff.
All applicants should review the Community Economic Development Implementation Grant guidelines prior to applying or contact Community Engagement Director Teri Spartz at 815-748-5383 or t.spartz@dekalbccf.org for assistance.
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.
Grant Updates
In 2016, the Community Foundation began emphasizing the importance of economic development planning through collaboration with various community partners and generous donors. The first round of Community Economic Development Grants was offered throughout DeKalb County to help fund planning and resulting implementation projects through a commitment of $300,000 of board-directed grant funds. As a result, several communities throughout the county renewed or kickstarted their local community and economic development planning efforts.
- August 2023 - - $89,200 distributed to four communities - 2022 Annual Report
- November 2022 - $89,200 distributed to four communities - 2022 Report to the Community
- August 2020 - Economic Development Grants - 2019 Community Foundation Annual Report
- July 2017 - Economic Development Planning Progresses One Community at a Time
- June 2016 - Grants Provide Boost for Countywide Planning and Projects
- September 2016 - New Foundation Grant Funds Community Economic Development
Out of a desire to give back and love for their community, philanthropists of all ages have established and contributed to Community Impact Funds at the Community Foundation, which provide funding for the Community Economic Development Grants. Helping today...Shaping tomorrow!
