The Build the Future Grant program, administered by the DeKalb County Community Foundation (DCCF), supports the construction and expansion of facilities aimed at addressing the charitable needs of residents in DeKalb County, Illinois. This grant initiative is specifically designed for local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public sector entities. The program provides grants of up to $100,000, which are paid in multi-year installments, enabling these organizations to enhance their infrastructure and expand their capacity to serve the community. The Build the Future Grants are a replacement for the large request section of the Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program, and any requests for construction and expansion projects will now be routed through this dedicated program.

The primary focus of the Build the Future Grants is to provide essential support for projects involving the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing physical spaces. The goal is to enable organizations to better serve DeKalb County residents. Organizations interested in applying must follow a defined process, beginning with an appointment with the grants staff to discuss the project and timeline. Once an appointment is made, applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the online grant portal. After the LOI submission, applicants will receive feedback within two weeks to guide the next steps in the application process.

For those applicants whose LOIs are approved, they may be invited to submit a full grant application. Additionally, applicants may be asked to present their proposals or host site visits as part of the evaluation process. By submitting a proposal, organizations authorize the Community Foundation to share application details with other potential co-funders. The evaluation of applications is carried out in multiple stages, and decisions are typically announced within three months of submitting the full application.

The Foundation encourages collaboration and innovation, with an emphasis on projects that directly benefit DeKalb County residents. Preference is given to 501(c)(3) organizations, and the program provides an opportunity for these nonprofits and public entities to enhance their infrastructure and make long-term positive impacts on the community. The Build the Future Grants follow a structured timeline, with specific deadlines for LOI submission, full application submission, and grant decision announcements, as well as opportunities for site visits and presentations.