Upward Mobility Grants
The Upward Mobility Grant Program supports new and creative ideas that help people and families thrive in DeKalb County. Replacing the Promise Grants Program, this pilot initiative provides funding for projects that improve quality of life and help people build better lives in DeKalb County, IL.
The Foundation created this pilot program to support good ideas from the community and help turn those ideas into action.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to nonprofit organizations, community groups, individuals, and units of government. Through a simple two-step application process, applicants can share ideas that help people, strengthen communities, and make a positive difference in DeKalb County.
Individuals and community groups do not need nonprofit status to apply. If selected, the Foundation will help connect applicants with a nonprofit or government partner that can receive and manage grant funding.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects serving local residents and taking place in DeKalb County, IL. Funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations and units of government, not individuals.
Focus Areas
Projects should address one or more of the following areas:
- Education & Youth
Programs and resources that help children and teens learn and succeed. - Health & Well-Being
Making it easier for people to get physical and mental health care. - Housing & Transportation
Supporting safe places to live and reliable ways to get around. - Income & Employment
Helping people find good jobs, build skills, and increase their income.
How it Works
The process begins with a short online Good Idea Form. Applicants whose ideas fit the program's goals will be invited to submit a full grant application. Before applying, applicants should review the idea guidelines.
- Submit a Good Idea Form
Good Idea Forms are accepted July 1 through August 1. - Idea Review
A committee will review submitted ideas before August 15 and invite selected applicants to move to the next step. - Full Application
Invited applicants may submit a full grant application between August 15 and October 1. - Funding Decisions
Projects selected for funding will be announced in early November.
Applicants may request up to $5,000. Bilingual workshops and application support will be available throughout the process.
Questions? Contact Foundation grants staff at grants@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.
Help Bring Good Ideas to Life
Support for Upward Mobility Grants comes from the Promise Fund – El Fondo de la Promesa and the Howard and Mildred Eychaner Fund. If you're passionate about helping people and families thrive in DeKalb County, consider making a gift. Your generosity helps support local ideas that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
To explore your charitable interests or create a Fund of your own, contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.
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.
