Upward Mobility Grant Program

The Upward Mobility Grant Program is administered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization serving DeKalb County, Illinois. Established to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking and donor engagement, the Foundation launched this pilot program to replace its previous Promise Grants Program. The initiative is designed to elevate grassroots ideas and community-driven solutions that address systemic barriers and improve economic mobility for underserved and marginalized populations within the county. By focusing on local innovation, the program seeks to foster long-term stability, opportunity, and well-being for individuals and families. The primary purpose of the Upward Mobility Grant Program is to fund new or expanding projects that enhance quality of life and create pathways to economic opportunity. The program prioritizes initiatives that align with four core focus areas: Education and Youth, Health and Well-Being, Housing and Transportation, and Income and Employment. These areas encompass a wide range of activities, including youth development programs, access to healthcare services, housing stability efforts, workforce development initiatives, and transportation solutions. Projects are expected to demonstrate community-centered approaches, incorporate lived experience, and address measurable needs within DeKalb County. Funding is available in amounts up to 5000 dollars per project. Grant funds may be used to support new or existing programs, collaborative initiatives, research, equipment purchases, technology needs, and limited operational expenses directly tied to program outcomes. However, funding cannot be used for religious purposes, political activities, debt reduction, advertising purchases, or direct financial assistance to individuals. While individuals and informal groups are encouraged to submit ideas, all awarded funds must ultimately be managed by a qualified nonprofit organization or governmental entity, with the Foundation assisting in identifying appropriate fiscal partners when necessary. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status, schools and educational institutions, faith-based organizations (for non-religious programming), municipal and governmental entities, and individuals or informal community groups during the initial idea phase. All applicants must reside in or serve DeKalb County, Illinois. The program emphasizes inclusivity, requiring that funded projects be accessible, equitable, and responsive to community needs, particularly for populations experiencing barriers to economic mobility. The application process follows a structured two-step model beginning with an Idea Gathering Phase. Applicants must first submit a brief Good Idea Form online between July 1 and August 1. During this phase, the Foundation seeks innovative concepts, collaborative opportunities, and responses to emerging community needs. Submitted ideas are reviewed by staff and volunteer committees between August 1 and August 15. Selected applicants are then invited to proceed to the full application phase, where they must submit detailed proposals outlining project plans, budgets, and anticipated outcomes between August 15 and October 1. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with program focus areas, potential to advance economic mobility and equity, demonstrated community need, feasibility, organizational capacity, and the inclusion of community voice. Additional consideration is given to partnerships and collaboration. The Foundation provides technical assistance, bilingual workshops, and application support throughout the process to ensure accessibility and strengthen proposal quality. Funding decisions are typically announced in early November following the completion of the review process. Grant recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including submission of a final report detailing project outcomes. The program is expected to operate on a recurring annual cycle, with similar timelines anticipated in future years. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Foundation’s grants staff via email at grants@dekalbccf.org or by phone at 8157485383 for guidance and support throughout the application process.

Align proposal clearly with one of the four focus areas and demonstrate strong community need and measurable impact. Emphasize collaboration, feasibility, and inclusion of community voice and lived experience.