New Foundation Grant Funds Community Economic Development

To aid in shaping economic development in the county, the DeKalb County Community Foundation has created a new grant program that will act as a catalyst for local municipalities and communities. Community Economic Development Grants will provide an opportunity for communities in DeKalb County to apply for funding to support economic planning or to implement projects that support their economic plans.

Grants will be limited for each community to $20,000 over the life of the grant program, estimated to be in place through 2019. Each of the 15 distinct communities as well as the unincorporated communities within DeKalb County are eligible to apply and receive grants.

Applications are accepted during two grant periods each year. Applications are due by midnight on October 1 and April 1 and usually become available two months prior to the deadlines.

“Our hope is to incentivize and support our communities in planning for and implementing priority projects that support local economic development,” stated Anita Zurbrugg, Community Foundation Program Director. “By providing a wide range of support for such things as data gathering planning, and unique community projects, we can springboard current plans already in process and assist in preparing for the future.”

The idea for an economic grant program came from an ongoing partnership between the Community Foundation, DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, DeKalb County Farm Bureau, and Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies. The partnering organizations created a DeKalb County economic development vision framework to help shape the planning, marketing, and investments for economic development across DeKalb County.

For additional information about Community Economic Development Grants visit dekalbccf.org/grantprograms or contact Anita Zurbrugg at 815-748-5383 or anita@dekalbccf.org.