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- 2027 Grant Guidelines -
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YEP members tour the Genoa Public Library District and learn about the library’s K-8 STEM program.

YEP Grants

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants support projects and organizations that enhance the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County, IL.

To be considered for funding, projects must:

  • Serve the local community

  • Involve youth in meaningful ways

  • Promote youth empowerment and leadership

What is YEP?

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. YEP offers high school students the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn about local nonprofits, and grow as lifelong philanthropists.

Each year, YEP’s efforts culminate in an April grant allocation meeting, where members thoughtfully discuss and recommend how to distribute $15,000+ in funding to nonprofit and public sector organizations serving youth in DeKalb County. Final recommendations are then presented to the Community Foundation Board of Directors for approval.

Learn more about YEP >

Applying for a YEP Grant

All applicants should review the YEP Grant Guidelines and the 40 Developmental Assets™ before applying. Grant requests can be up to $2,500 maximum. Nonprofit organizations with youth-focused initiatives in DeKalb County are highly encouraged to apply.

  • Application opens: October 15 (two months prior to the deadline)

  • Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. on December 15

Grant Guidelines, DeKalb County Community Foundation

Review the 2027 YEP Grant Guidelines >

40 Developmental Assets, DeKalb County Community Foundation

Review the 40 Developmental Assets >

YEP awarded $19,200 in grants during its May 2026 celebration meeting.

YEP Grants Process and Timeline

Part of what makes YEP Grants unique is their youth-led nature. High school students serving on the YEP Committee review all grant applications—and for many, this may be their first time engaging in the grantmaking process. Participating offers valuable opportunities for students to grow in communication, critical thinking, and leadership.

Applicant note: We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the grant process. You may even find moments to support and encourage these young leaders along the way.

To ensure fairness and consistency, YEP staff advisors actively guide and support students during every phase. For applications requiring a site visit, a YEP advisor will accompany students to help facilitate a productive and engaging experience.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful learning opportunity!

Timeline:

  • (NEW) October 15 – YEP Grant applications open
  • (NEW) December 15 – Application deadline
  • January YEP Meeting – Applications are announced and assigned to YEP members
  • January–April 1 – Members review applications; conduct site visits for select proposal
  • April YEP Meeting – Members discuss all applications and finalize funding recommendations
  • Late April – YEP presents funding recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Late April/Early May – Applicants are notified of grant decisions; YEP invites recipients to the May meeting
  • May YEP Meeting – Grantees attend the celebration meeting to receive recognition and grant letters
  • Mid-May – ACH transfers of YEP Grants are processed for recipient organizations

For questions or more information, please contact YEP Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.white@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.

Past YEP Grants Awarded

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy, YEP, DeKalb County Community Foundation
Representatives from Two Rivers Head Start Agency accept a 2026 YEP Grant during the May celebration meeting.

2026 - Two Rivers Head Start Agency receives a YEP Grant at the May celebration meeting.

Representatives from Genoa Public Library District accept a 2026 YEP Grant during the May celebration meeting.

2026 - Genoa Public Library District receives a YEP Grant at the May celebration meeting.

Invest in Youth

Funding for YEP Grants is made possible through the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund at the Community Foundation. As this Fund continues to grow, so does its impact on youth in DeKalb County!

If you want to positively impact youth in our community, consider donating to the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund. For questions or additional information, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

Donate to the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund >