From public safety and education to arts and community development, local projects addressing community needs received support through the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program this spring. There are 25 local nonprofit and community organizations benefitting from grants totaling $159,799. In addition, the Community Foundation supported two larger-scale capital building and expansion projects with a multi-year commitment of $100,000 each.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the grants committee and Foundation as a whole,” said Project HOPE Executive Director Joe Mitchell. “It’s assuring that the Foundation believes in the need for this transformative space in the North Annie Glidden community. The support and reputation of the Foundation puts Project HOPE in an advantageous position when talking with other potential large donors.”

Community Needs Grants are distributed to eligible organizations in DeKalb County each year in the spring and fall. Applications align with five grantmaking interest areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, Environment & Animal Welfare, and Health & Human Services.

Spring 2024 Community Needs Grants:

• Ellwood House Association, Inc., DeKalb – $2,600 to develop an inclusive, accessible digital tour experience
• Greater Family Health, Sycamore – $5,300 to purchase vaccine management system for the Sycamore location
• Kishwaukee Valley Art League, Sycamore -$1,467 to purchase an artwork display infrastructure
• Northwestern Memorial Foundation – Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb – $5,000 to purchase furniture for The Living Room program
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center, Sandwich – $4,200 to purchase appliances and flooring for the new Life Skills program
• Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., DeKalb – $2,500 to upgrade their theatre sound system
• Safe Passage, DeKalb – $5,000 to purchase a facility van
• Shabbona-Lee-Rollo Historical Museum, Shabbona – $7,000 to repair exterior brick
• Tails Humane Society, DeKalb – $2,900 to purchase surgical lights
• Trinity Lutheran Church, Genoa – $1,000 to purchase preschool education toolset United Kids After School, Sandwich – $1,000 to provide playground equipment and after school curriculum materials
• Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, Sycamore – $2,500 to acquire an awning for the Meals on Wheels entryway
• Flewellin Memorial Library, Shabbona – $25,000 to support building renovations
• Kishwaukee College Foundation, Malta         – $15,000 to purchase sunshades for the Early Learning Center playground
• DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center, DeKalb – $4,000 to purchase security cameras
• DeKalb Park District, DeKalb – $4,000 to support inclusive playground remodeling at Hopkins Park
• Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429, Hinckley        – $1,000 to fund books and materials for the Community Reads Initiative
• Indian Valley Vocational Center, Sandwich – $1,859 to acquire emergency airway equipment for student training
• Kirkland Tree Commission, Kirkland – $1,140 to purchase tree boulevard equipment
• Maple Park & Countryside Fire Protection District, Maple Park – $3,000       to purchase a battery-powered ram
• Sandwich Police Department, Sandwich – $7,800 to purchase AEDs for squad cars and the police station
• Shabbona Community Fire Protection District, Shabbona – $4,000 to acquire Rapid Intervention Team equipment
• Sycamore Police Department, Sycamore – $4,000 to purchase AEDs for the Patrol Division
• Project HOPE, DeKalb – $ 100,000 multi-year pledge to support construction of an Annie Glidden North neighborhood community center
• DeKalb County History Center, Sycamore – $100,000 multi-year pledge to support the History Center campus expansion

One of several grantmaking programs at the Community Foundation, Community Needs Grants receive funding through Community Impact Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Donor Advised Funds. Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information, please contact grants@dekalbccf.org.