The Upward Mobility Grant Program supports new and creative ideas that help people and families thrive in DeKalb County.
Donor Name: DeKalb County Community Foundation
State: Illinois
County: DeKalb County (IL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Replacing the Promise Grants Program, this pilot initiative provides funding for projects that improve quality of life and help people build better lives in DeKalb County, IL. The Foundation created this pilot program to support good ideas from the community and help turn those ideas into action.
Focus Areas
Projects should address one or more of the following areas:
- Education & Youth
- Programs and resources that help children and teens learn and succeed.
- Health & Well-Being
- Making it easier for people to get physical and mental health care.
- Housing & Transportation
- Supporting safe places to live and reliable ways to get around.
- Income & Employment
- Helping people find good jobs, build skills, and increase their income.
Funding Information
Grants of up to $5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility qualifications to apply for an Upward Mobility Grant are:
- Agencies operating as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County, Illinois specifically those agencies working to empower underserved people
- Public school districts, private schools, or education entities
- Churches and church-related groups, if proposed program is not religious in nature and does not require a religious commitment to participate
- Municipal or governmental entities
- Informal groups or individuals addressing a community or neighborhood issue (Idea Gathering Phase). Must reside/be located in DeKalb County, IL
- Funding may support new or existing programs, collaborations, research, equipment, technology, or limited operational expenses tied to program impact.
- Grant awards are competitive and based on alignment with program priorities, demonstrated community need, and potential impact.
- Organizations are welcome to apply for an Upward Mobility Grant even if they currently have an open or active grant through another DeKalb County Community Foundation program, provided they remain in good standing with all grant reporting requirements.
Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Alignment with one or more focus areas
- Potential to advance economic mobility and equity
- Demonstrated community need and impact
- Inclusion of community voice and lived experienc
- Feasibility and organizational capacity
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Clear outcomes and evaluation methods
For more information, visit DeKalb County Community Foundation.
