DCCF: Community Needs Grants

From Dekalb County Community Foundation

The DeKalb County Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County by proactively addressing community needs through strategic grantmaking.

Type of Support

Overview

The Community Needs Grants program by the DeKalb County Community Foundation is designed to support the work of nonprofit and public sector organizations in DeKalb County, Illinois. Its broad goals include improving the quality of life in the community, addressing unmet needs, fostering collaboration among local organizations, and leveraging additional funding sources. Specific causes supported under this grant program span various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, and Health and Human Services. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant community impact, encourage partnerships and leadership within the community, and utilize funding efficiently through matching or challenge grants.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
IL (DeKalb County)
Organization Type
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Public sector organizations
Public School Districts
Higher Education
Municipal or Governmental Entities
Other
  • Located in or serving DeKalb County, Illinois
  • Must have local leadership in the form of a board of directors or advisory committee, local financial support, and/or local program management and accountability
  • In the case of a nationally, statewide, or regionally sponsored organization, no portion of the grant can be used to support the national, state, or regional entity
  • Grants are one-time awards supporting specific projects to be completed within one year; in limited cases, a commitment may be made to a specific project for a longer period
  • Organizations can only receive one successful grant per two consecutive grant periods

Ineligibility

Organizations seeking funds for routine operational costs including updating technology
Personnel/administrative/overhead costs
Religious purposes without direct community benefit
Advertising purchases
Capital or operation debt reduction
Political campaigns or legislative influence efforts
Direct funding to individuals
Re-granting organizations
Costs incurred outside the grant period without prior approval
Organizations applying for year-after-year funding for the same project
Organizations that decline a previously awarded grant during the next grant cycle.
not specified

Submission

Schedule
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Application deadline
Feb 1, 2025
Step 2: Full proposal (check website)
Review Criteria

Priority is afforded to organizations with 501(c)3 status.

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