New DeKalb County grant program will support nonprofit infrastructure needs

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation has launched a new program meant to fund facility expansion and construction projects that serve DeKalb County residents.

The Build the Future Grant Program will serve the charitable needs of residents in DeKalb County, according to a news release. With grants of up to $100,000 available, the program will support nonprofit organizations and public sector entities to build infrastructure needed to expand their community impact.

The new grant program will replace the large request section of the foundation’s existing Community Needs Grant program. All requests for construction and expansion from eligible organizations will funnel through the Build the Future Grant program.

Organizations interested in applying must follow a multi-step process:

• Initial contact – After Jan. 1, applicants should contact the Community Foundation’s grants staff to discuss their project and timeline. Email grants@dekalbccf.org or call 815-748-5383
• Letter of intent – Applicants must submit a letter of intent by April 1. Feedback will be provided within two weeks.
• Full application – Based on the letter feedback, invited applicants may submit a full application by May 15. This step requires detailed information, including a project budget and timeline.

Site visits may be conducted as part of the review process, and applicants may be asked to present their projects to the Foundation’s Grants Committee, according to the release. Applications are reviewed in June, with final decisions announced by Aug. 1. Grants are awarded via ACH transfer.

“The Build the Future Grant Program represents a significant investment in the long-term success of DeKalb County’s nonprofit and public sector organizations,” Jolene Willis, foundation grants and community initiatives director, said in a news release. “We look forward to supporting innovative and impactful projects that will enhance the growth and vitality of our county’s diverse nonprofit and public institutions.”

For more information on eligibility and the application process, or to schedule an appointment with the grants staff, visit dekalbccf.org/build-the-future-grants/ or email grants@dekalbccf.org.