The DeKalb County Community Foundation administers the Community Needs Grant program to support projects, renovations, and services benefiting residents of DeKalb County, Illinois. This grant funds capital assets and equipment associated with community projects but does not support routine operational expenses, debt reduction, personnel costs, or direct aid to individuals. The maximum grant request per application is $20,000, and awards are intended as one-time support for specific projects, with limited exceptions for longer commitments.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public sector entities that directly serve DeKalb County. Preference is given to nonprofits providing direct assistance to county residents. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, hold a valid EIN, and have submitted current 990 filings where applicable. Organizations receiving Build the Future Grant funds are not eligible to apply for a Community Needs Grant in the same calendar year. Additionally, an organization can only receive one successful grant every two consecutive cycles and is limited to three consecutive years of funding before a mandatory one-year waiting period.

The Community Needs Grant operates on a biannual cycle. The spring cycle opens January 1, with a submission deadline of March 1 at 11:59 p.m., and grant decisions announced on May 1. The fall cycle opens July 1, with a September 1 submission deadline, and awards announced by November 1. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions via phone or email. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s website, and hard copies are not accepted. Depending on the request's complexity, applicants may be required to participate in a presentation or site visit.

Grant funding is prioritized for projects that enhance quality of life in DeKalb County, respond to unmet community needs, foster collaboration among organizations, and leverage additional funds or in-kind support. Funding areas include arts and culture, community development, education, environment and animal welfare, and health and human services. Public sector applicants, including schools, government departments, and universities, must adhere to specific limitations, such as receiving only one grant per two cycles per department or school building.

The Foundation does not fund certain expenses, including routine operations, political or religious activities, existing marketing or advertising costs, and previously incurred project costs. Grants are distributed through ACH transfer, and applicants must complete all required reporting from prior grants before submitting a new application. Approved grants are expected to be completed within one year unless otherwise specified, and modifications such as grant extensions or budget reallocations require prior approval.

For inquiries, applicants may contact the Foundation via email at grants@dekalbccf.org or by phone at (815) 748-5383. If applicants are unsure of eligibility or are applying as a fiscal sponsor, they are encouraged to consult with Foundation staff before submission.