Community Needs Grant Program

The Community Needs Grants program, offered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, provides funding support for capital asset needs, equipment, and facility renovations for nonprofit and public sector organizations serving residents in DeKalb County, Illinois. The program aims to strengthen the operations and infrastructure of community-serving entities, helping them more effectively address local challenges and improve quality of life. With a focus on direct community impact, the Foundation prioritizes projects that meet clearly defined local needs and encourage collaboration among community organizations. The Foundation accepts applications twice yearly, with spring and fall cycles. Applications for the spring round open on January 1 and are due by March 1, while those for the fall round open on July 1 and are due by September 1, both by 11:59 p.m. Notifications are issued by May 1 for spring and November 1 for fall submissions. All applications must be submitted online, and no paper copies are accepted. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Foundation staff for guidance at any point in the process. Those submitting complex or high-value proposals may be asked to participate in a site visit or make a presentation to the Community Grants Committee. Grants are awarded as one-time awards, typically to be completed within a year. While partial funding may be provided, each applicant must ensure their budget accurately reflects their project’s scope. Ineligible costs include operational, administrative, and personnel expenses; religious or political activity; marketing; and debt reduction. Awarded grants are paid via ACH transfer, and organizations must have submitted all prior grant reports to remain eligible. Eligibility is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public sector bodies with operations or services in DeKalb County. Organizations must have a valid EIN and be in good standing with the IRS, with preference given to 501(c)(3)s that deliver direct services to local residents. Restrictions apply to applicants who have recently received funding, including limits on receiving grants in consecutive cycles or over three consecutive years. Funded projects may fall into several categories: Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, and Health and Human Services. Within public sector organizations such as schools and government departments, eligibility is determined at the building or departmental level, and school-related applications must be accompanied by a letter of support from district leadership. All grantees must comply with the Foundation’s nondiscrimination policy, which ensures equitable access regardless of personal status or identity. In cases where the project involves facility construction or expansion, applicants are now directed to apply through the Build the Future Grant program, which replaces the large-request section of Community Needs Grants. Interested applicants can find detailed guidelines and application instructions on the Foundation’s website, and all inquiries should be directed to grants@dekalbccf.org or 815-748-5383.

Avoid personnel/operational costs; ensure strong alignment with community need; budget must match project scope.