The DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program supports requests for capital assets or equipment associated with various projects, renovations of existing facilities, and services throughout DeKalb County, Illinois.
Donor Name: DeKalb County Community Foundation
State: Illinois
County: DeKalb County (IL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Priorities
The Community Foundation believes in supporting projects that will have a significant impact within the community. The Board has broadly defined these priorities for the Community Needs Grant program:
- Support organizations with projects that enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County.
- Assist organizations to better respond to clearly defined unmet needs within the community.
- Encourage programs and projects that enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations within DeKalb County. Examples of collaboration include partnerships, demonstrating community leadership, and being a contributing member of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP).
- Demonstrate leveraged funds and in-kind support, such as using “seed” money, “match” and “challenge” grants and funds from multiple sources.
Funding Information
- The maximum amount that can be requested in an application is $20,000.
- Grants are one-time awards supporting specific projects to be completed within one year.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants are 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organizations and public sector organizations, with preference given to 501 (c) 3 organizations that provide direct assistance, services, and/or benefits to DeKalb County, Ill. residents.
- Organizations must be in good standing with the IRS with current filed 990, if applicable.
- Have a valid EIN number.
- Organizations currently receiving Build the Future Grant distributions are ineligible to apply for a Community Needs Grant within the same calendar year.
- Organizations can only receive one successful grant per two consecutive grant periods. For example, if an application in the fall grant cycle is funded in any amount, that organization is not eligible to receive another grant until at least the following fall. If a grant application is not funded, an organization may re-apply with a similar or new application in the next grant cycle. Please plan your project and grant request accordingly.
- Sequential Grant Award Limit: The maximum number of consecutive Community Needs grants awarded to the same organization is limited to three years, regardless of the specific projects funded during those years. Once an organization has received grants for three consecutive years, they must then wait for one calendar/funding year before they are eligible to reapply for additional funding. This policy is designed to promote fairness and equity in the distribution of grant funding.
For more information, visit DCCF.
