DeKalb County Community Foundation Emergency Grants

The DeKalb County Community Foundation (DCCF), based in Sycamore, Illinois, administers an Emergency Grant program designed to provide immediate financial assistance to nonprofit and public sector organizations within DeKalb County. The Foundation’s overarching mission includes supporting and enhancing the quality of life in the county through responsive philanthropy and sustainable funding. As part of its commitment to address urgent community needs, the Emergency Grant program targets situations involving unexpected events that disrupt essential services. These grants aim to fill critical funding gaps caused by emergencies and ensure continuity of vital operations for eligible entities. The Emergency Grant program is specifically structured to accommodate unforeseen circumstances that may significantly affect service delivery. The grants typically range from $250 to $2,000 and are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation based on the urgency and merit of the application. Funding decisions are made with consideration of the community impact and the nature of the emergency. However, the Foundation has outlined specific restrictions on the use of funds to ensure alignment with its priorities and values. Funding is not generally available for general operating expenses, routine operational costs such as technology updates, personnel or overhead, budget shortfalls, or debt reduction. Additionally, the grants cannot be used for direct individual assistance, services outside of DeKalb County, sectarian or political purposes, or for transportation and extracurricular activities like field trips or competitions. These restrictions guide applicants to focus on high-need, high-impact requests directly related to emergency response and essential service preservation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public sector entities operating within DeKalb County. Although both categories are eligible, preference is explicitly given to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must demonstrate a clear and direct service impact within the geographic limits of the county. The Foundation’s grantmaking adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, disability, or other protected statuses. Applications for the Emergency Grant are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing organizations to apply as emergencies arise without waiting for a fixed submission window. Submissions must be completed online through the Foundation’s website, dekalbccf.org, as paper applications are not accepted. Upon receipt, applications are typically reviewed within two weeks, and additional information may be requested by Foundation staff. This rapid turnaround is designed to ensure that emergency funding can be disbursed in a timely manner to mitigate disruptions. Organizations seeking assistance or with questions regarding eligibility or the application process are encouraged to contact the grants staff directly by email at grants@dekalbccf.org or by phone at 815-748-5383. This direct access facilitates clarity and helps ensure that applications meet the intended criteria before submission. The Foundation updated its guidelines as of April 2, 2022, to reflect its most current policies and expectations regarding grant usage and eligibility.