DeKalb County Community Foundation (IL)

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.

As we reflect on this important moment in our nation's history, we also recognize the ongoing work of building communities where all people can thrive.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

🙌 $119,900 Invested in Local Impact

Eighteen organizations. One shared goal: making DeKalb County an even better place to live.

The Community Foundation recently awarded $119,900 in Community Needs Grants to support projects focused on food security, mental health, education, public safety, the arts, and more.

Thank you to the donors whose generosity makes this work possible!

👉 Explore the funded projects at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/05/19/119900-in-grants-awarded-to-address-community-needs/

06/17/2026

🙌 🚚 Grant in Action!
Every meal delivered through Meals on Wheels is more than food. It's a wellness check, a connection to the community, and a reminder that someone cares.

In 2025, the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois expanded its ability to serve older adults with a new delivery vehicle supported in part by an $18,500 Community Needs Grant from the Community Foundation. The vehicle helps ensure meals are delivered safely and efficiently to those who rely on them.

👇 Link to the full story in the comments.

06/16/2026

🎉 Music Education Gets a $126,500 Boost!
Congratulations to the 16 organizations that received spring 2026 Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants. Funding supports access to music education through new instruments, programs, scholarships, and performance opportunities.

Learn more about the projects funded at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/06/10/126500-in-grants-boost-music-education/

06/15/2026

Inspired by the joy her parents found in everyday music, Amanda Durik and David Castro have created a new Fund at the Community Foundation to support the DeKalb Festival Chorus for generations to come. Discover the story behind this meaningful gift and its lasting impact on community music.

👉 Read their story at

Serving DeKalb County, IL, the DeKalb County Community Foundation works to enhance the quality of life. We connect people who care, with causes they care about.

06/12/2026

📸 Thank you, Noah!

After 11 years with the Community Foundation, Marketing Director Noah Nordbrock is moving on to a new opportunity in the community.

From sharing stories of generosity and impact to working with students through Youth Engaged in Philanthropy, Noah has helped strengthen connections throughout our community. We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Read Noah's reflection at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/06/08/thank-you-noah/

06/11/2026

❤️📬 Updates include two new Funds, $245,000 in grants, record breaking giving day, and more.

Read the June 2026 newsletter. Link in the comments. 👇
(About a 45-second skim or a 4-minute read.)

06/10/2026

Strong rural communities are vital to the future of DeKalb County.

We're proud to support rural vitality efforts across our county and appreciate the leadership of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation - DCEDC in bringing community members together for this important conversation.

If you're interested in the future of our rural communities, consider attending the Rural Vitality Summit on June 16.

Join us on Tuesday, June 16th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Kishwaukee College Conference Center for the DeKalb County Rural Vitality Summit! No cost, but please RSVP by June 9! Food Provided by 5-Bs Catering!

Register here: https://dcedc.org/event/rural-vitality-summit/

SUMMIT AGENDA:
4:00 – Welcome and Introduction (Food served – buffet style)

4:20 – Presentation of Existing Conditions, Challenges, and Opportunities

4:40 – Breakout Group Discussions (Facilitation by NIU CGS/Rural Vitality Committee Members)

5:20 – Breakout Groups Report Back/Share Discussion Points (Facilitators will summarize and report major points/takeaways)

5:40 – Conclusion: Next Steps

Introduction of “Rural Vitality Exchange”
What Resources and Information are Needed? Feedback for future meetings?

06/10/2026

🙌 🚑 Grant in Action!
Not every 911 call is an emergency. Many reflect ongoing health or social needs that require a different response.

In 2025, the Community Paramedicine Program launched through a partnership between Elder Care Services and the City of DeKalb Fire Department. Supported by a grant from the Community Foundation, the program helps connect residents with care and resources before situations escalate into emergencies.

👇Link to full story in the comments.

06/09/2026

In 2025, local generosity helped make more than $7.1 million in grants and 14 new Funds possible across DeKalb County. Explore the stories, partnerships, and community impact featured in our 2025 Annual Report.

👉 Read the stories behind the numbers at https://www.flipsnack.com/97F8E7EEFB5/annual-report-2025/full-view.html