$188,430 Awarded in Spring Community Needs Grants

Sycamore, IL – From public safety and animal welfare to fine arts and vocational education, local projects aimed at addressing community needs received support through the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program this spring. Twenty-one local nonprofit and public sector organizations benefitted from grants totaling $188,430.

“The grant allows us to purchase a mask fit test machine to ensure we get a proper seal in our SCBA and N95 masks,” said Lt. Patrick Tyrell of Somonauk Fire Protection District. “This equipment allows our personnel to safely fight fires and treat patients which directly supports our community and the mutual aid communities we serve.”

Community Needs Grants are distributed to eligible organizations in DeKalb County in the spring and fall each year. Applications align with five grantmaking interest areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, Environment & Animal Welfare, and Health & Human Services.

Spring 2023 Community Needs Grants:

• Hope Haven of DeKalb County, Inc – $27,200 to renovate client bathrooms
• Village of Maple Park – $20,000 to purchase playground equipment
• Barb City Manor Retirement Home – $10,000 to upgrade fire alarm system
• Cor Cantiamo – $2,500 to purchase music for 2023-2024 concert season
• Equine Dreams – $15,000 to replace arena fencing
• Fox Valley Community Services – $10,000 for electrical system upgrades
• Indian Valley Theatre – $7,000 to upgrade stage lighting at Sandwich Opera House
• Kirkland Historical Society – $8,500 for A/C replacement and perform exterior building improvements
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA – $4,500 to purchase surveillance system for new preschool rooms
• Neighbors’ House – $3,360 to expand summer reading program
• Open Door Rehabilitation Center – $9,000 to purchase security cameras
• Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc. – $2,470 to purchase mobility support amenities
• Regional Access & Mobilization Project, Inc.(RAMP) – $1,700 to purchase technology for youth services program
• Sycamore Sports Boosters – $7,500 to build softball dugouts at new Sycamore Park District field
• The Growing Place – $8,000 to repaint the center
• We Care Pregnancy Clinic – $4,500 to purchase copy machine and program materials
• Genoa Township Park District – $8,000 to replace baby pool slide
• Sandwich Park District – $6,000 to purchase ADA and pet water fountains
• Somonauk Community Fire Protection District – $7,000 to purchase mask fit test machine for N95/SCBA
• Somonauk Public Library District – $7,000 to purchase outdoor electric sign
• Town of Cortland – $19,200 to purchase inclusive playground equipment

One of several grantmaking programs at the Community Foundation, Community Needs Grants receive funding through Community Impact Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Donor Advised Funds. Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information, please contact grants@dekalbccf.org.