Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Grants

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants, administered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation in Illinois, are designed to support projects and organizations that enhance the quality of life for youth within DeKalb County. Founded in 1993, the Foundation aims to improve the well-being of local residents through philanthropy, leadership, and engagement. YEP is a unique initiative within the Foundation, led entirely by high school students who actively participate in all aspects of the grantmaking process, including application review, discussion, and funding recommendations. This model provides youth with practical experience in philanthropy and nonprofit work, encouraging leadership development and civic engagement. The YEP Grant program seeks to fund youth-focused projects that serve the DeKalb County community. To be eligible, proposed projects must involve youth in meaningful ways and promote empowerment and leadership among young people. The guiding philosophy of the program is to uplift initiatives that create positive, lasting impacts for youth. Applications are accepted from nonprofit and public sector organizations that operate within the county. The funding for this program comes from the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund, which has grown over time to support increasing levels of grant distribution—over $23,000 was awarded in 2025 alone. Applications are capped at a $2,500 request maximum per project, and each year more than $15,000 is available for distribution. The program emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in both the grantmaking and implementation phases. Applicants are encouraged to review both the current YEP Grant Guidelines and the 40 Developmental Assets framework, which offers a foundation for understanding youth development principles. These resources are essential to crafting strong applications that align with YEP’s mission and values. The application process opens annually on December 1 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on February 1. Applications are reviewed by YEP members between February and April, with site visits conducted for select proposals. In April, students gather to discuss and finalize their funding recommendations, which are then presented to the Foundation's Board of Directors for approval. Grant recipients are notified by late April or early May and are invited to a celebratory YEP meeting in May to receive their award letters. Funds are disbursed via ACH transfers in mid-May. Throughout the process, student reviewers are supported by YEP staff advisors to ensure fairness and consistency. Advisors accompany students on site visits and help guide decision-making, making the process both rigorous and educational. The funders acknowledge the important role that applicants play in supporting the learning process and express appreciation for the community's cooperation and encouragement of youth leaders. For more information about the grant or the application process, interested parties may contact YEP Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or via email at [email protected]. Organizations interested in applying should be aware of the February 1 deadline and are encouraged to plan early to ensure compliance with all requirements. As the YEP Grants are recurring annually, applicants can anticipate similar cycles each year, with applications opening every December and final decisions made by mid-May.