Community Needs Grants
Through the Community Needs Grants program, the Community Foundation supports the charitable needs and efforts of nonprofit and public sector direct service organizations throughout DeKalb County, IL. To date, over $31 million has been awarded to the community through grants and distributions since the Foundation was founded in 1993.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants requesting $20,000 or more must contact Grants Director Tiffany McQueen Lewis at 815-748-5383 or tiffany@dekalbccf.org by February 1 for the spring grant season or August 1 for the fall grant season. Applications for greater than $20,000 that have not been vetted with the Community Foundation by February 1 or August 1 will not be accepted.
Applying for a Grant
Preference is given to 501(c)3 organizations. Applications for Community Needs Grants are accepted during two grant periods each year. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 1 or September 1 and become available two months prior to the deadlines. Applicants requesting $20,000 or more must contact the Community Foundation by February 1 for the spring grant season or August 1 for the fall grant season.
All applicants should review the Community Needs Grant Guidelines prior to applying. For questions or more information, please contact Grants Director Tiffany McQueen Lewis at 815-748-5383 or grants@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.
Grants Awarded
- Spring 2021 - $90,930 awarded in support
- Fall 2020 - $125,617 awarded in support
- Spring 2020 - $125,619 awarded in support
- Fall 2019 - $150,360 awarded in support
- Spring 2019 - $123,432 awarded in support
- Fall 2018 - $198,307 awarded in support
- Spring 2018 - $145,000 awarded in support
- Fall 2017 - $152,460 awarded in support
- Spring 2017 - $150,000 awarded in support
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 Community Needs Grants. Helping today...Shaping tomorrow!
Each application is reviewed by the grants committee, a volunteer committee consisting of Community Foundation Board members and staff. Grant recommendations receive final approval from the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors. Support received from these grants are intended to create a lasting impact on our community!