May 2023 - Edition
Greetings!
We have another packed month of exciting news about philanthropy for DeKalb County! Thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up on news and updates from YOUR Community Foundation. 
NEW Fund Enhances Special Education at Sycamore
Announcing the Jeri Delaney Memorial Fund, honoring the life and legacy of Jeri Delaney and keeping her heart of gold alive. The Fund’s purpose is to distribute to the Sycamore Education Foundation to award grants for the special education program at Sycamore High School.
Give DeKalb County 2023
Through AMAZING donor generosity, this year's Give DeKalb County event raised over $1.8 million (a new giving day record) in support of 142 organizations and Funds. Final Give DeKalb County totals coming soon.

Thank you, donors! And special thanks to all the Community Partners and Media Sponsors for their tremendous partnership. 
1,150 Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits Distributed
We are thrilled to announce the distribution of 1,150 kindergarten readiness toolkits to children through the Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits Grant program! Toolkits are distributed to DeKalb County students and their families to promote active learning through play over the summer months.
New Housing Program Receives $20,000 Grant
The Community Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County to launch a new Home Preservation Program in DeKalb County. This program provides homeowners a hand-up, not a handout.
$14,725 Awarded in Youth Impact Grants
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is excited to announce their distribution of $14,725 in youth impact grants. Thirteen community and nonprofit organizations received grants for various youth-serving projects and programs in DeKalb County.
Scholarship Opportunities
Applications remain OPEN for the following Community Foundation scholarships:
  • NEW - Cindy Graves Nursing Scholarship Fund (For current nursing professionals who intend to continue their nursing education.)
  • Ed and Kim Kapper Physical Therapy Scholarship (For graduate students pursuing a degree in physical therapy.)
  • Jeffrey A. Trail Memorial Scholarship (For applicants formally admitted to the United States Naval Academy.)
  • Renaissance Scholarship (For an individual who is returning to school after being part of the workforce.)
  • Spinoso Masters Scholarship (For students pursuing post-undergraduate studies.) 
Interested scholarship applicants should review the scholarship guidelines for each award to confirm eligibility prior to beginning the application.
Internship Program Update
Meet Deja Randle, an alum of the Internship Program. She is a Nonprofit and NGO Studies major at Northern Illinois University and served as an intern with Girls on the Run – Northwest Illinois.
 
The Internship Program is a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, the Center for Nonprofit Studies, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.
Debunking Three Myths About Donor Advised Funds and Private Foundations: - EPAC CORNER
Welcome to the EPAC Corner. We are pleased to bring you this content from the Estate Planning Advisory Committee (EPAC) of the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
 
As you work with your advisors to establish your immediate and long-term charitable giving plans, take a few minutes to check out how to debunk three common myths regarding both private foundations and donor advised funds.
 
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DeKalb County Community Foundation | 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178