Community Needs Grant

The Community Needs Grant program is administered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization established to support and strengthen communities within DeKalb County, Illinois. The foundation operates by distributing funds from community impact funds created by local philanthropists, with the goal of addressing pressing local needs and improving quality of life. Through this program, the foundation provides financial support to nonprofit and public sector organizations undertaking projects that directly benefit residents of the county. The primary purpose of the Community Needs Grant program is to fund capital improvements, equipment purchases, and facility-related enhancements that allow organizations to expand or improve their services. Eligible projects may include renovations of existing facilities, acquisition of equipment necessary for service delivery, and other capital expenditures that contribute to long-term organizational effectiveness. The program explicitly avoids funding routine operational costs, administrative expenses, payroll, or consumable items, focusing instead on investments that produce lasting community impact. Funding is provided as one-time awards for specific projects, generally expected to be completed within a one-year period, although limited exceptions may allow longer timelines. Applicants may request up to 20000 dollars per application, and partial funding may be awarded based on available resources and project evaluation. The foundation encourages applicants to demonstrate leveraged funding, collaboration with other organizations, and alignment with clearly identified community needs. Matching funds are not required but are viewed favorably when presented as part of a broader funding strategy. Eligibility for the program includes 501 c 3 nonprofit organizations and public sector entities serving DeKalb County, with preference given to organizations providing direct services to local residents. Applicants must maintain good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, possess a valid EIN, and ensure all prior grant reporting requirements have been fulfilled. Additional restrictions apply, including limits on consecutive funding cycles and requirements to pause eligibility after receiving grants for three consecutive years. Public sector applicants such as school districts, higher education institutions, and municipal departments must apply at the department or building level and may require additional documentation such as letters of support. The application process is conducted entirely online through the foundation’s website, and no paper submissions are accepted. Applicants may be contacted for additional information, and in some cases may be asked to provide presentations or participate in site visits. By submitting an application, organizations consent to sharing their proposal with potential co-funders. Required application components include project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation sufficient to evaluate feasibility, impact, and alignment with funding priorities. The program operates on a recurring biannual cycle with two application deadlines each year. The spring cycle opens January 1 with a submission deadline of March 1, and award decisions are announced by May 1. The fall cycle opens July 1 with a submission deadline of September 1, and decisions are announced by November 1. Foundation staff are available throughout the year to assist applicants, answer questions, and provide guidance. Awards are distributed via electronic transfer, and recipients must comply with reporting and grant management requirements throughout the project period.

Align project with unmet community needs demonstrate collaboration and show leveraged funding sources