DeKalb County Community Foundation (IL)

06/03/2026

What does a community foundation do?

We're honored to be featured by CFLeads in this article exploring how community foundations go beyond grantmaking to bring people together, build partnerships, and create positive change.

The article includes insights from our Executive Director, Dan Templin, and the work happening here in DeKalb County. Thank you to CFLeads for sharing our story and shining a spotlight on the DeKalb County Community Foundation!

Read more:

This article is based on an interview conducted by CFLeads with Dan Templin, Executive Director of DeKalb County Community Foundation. Dan has served as

06/02/2026

🌼 The Community Foundation is honored to announce the new St. Therese Little Flower Fund.

The Fund was established to recognize students and faculty at St. Mary School - DeKalb, IL who demonstrate kindness, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. Inspired by St. Therese's "Little Way," the Fund celebrates the belief that small acts of love and service can have a lasting impact.

👉 Learn more at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/06/01/new-fund-honors-kindness-at-st-mary-school/

05/29/2026

Supporting young children starts with listening to families. Please consider participating in this DeKalb County Child Care Needs Survey and help inform future planning in our community.

Thank you to the DeKalb County ROE for coordinating these efforts!

DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children is a local cross-sector group focused on early childhood systems in DeKalb County - we want to know about your child care needs: https://tinyurl.com/2spnn8vs

Please share your experiences and be entered to win a $50 gift card! (You must reside in DeKalb County to win)

Learn more about DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children: https://dekalbroe.org/dekalb-county-collaborative-for-young-children/

05/29/2026

When your Marketing Director gets sent to the Village of Shabbona with a camera... 📸👟

Sharing a few more photos from last year's Shabbona-Lee Community Fund announcement photo shoot. This exciting Fund supports long-term needs and future opportunities in both communities. Check out a few highlights from the adventure around town! 🏡🌳

Learn more at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/02/06/community-endowment-fund-launched-for-shabbona-and-lee/

05/28/2026

3..2..1..impact! 💙

This week, Give DeKalb County donations are being distributed to participating nonprofits across DeKalb County, supporting the programs, services, and everyday work that strengthen our communities.

Thank you for making it possible!

The impact of Give DeKalb County continues. 💙

This week, funds are being paid out to participating nonprofits across DeKalb County. That means your generosity is moving from donations to action—supporting programs, services, supplies, staffing, outreach, and the everyday work that strengthens our communities.

Thank you again to everyone who donates, volunteers, supports, and cheers on DeKalb County's nonprofit community!

05/28/2026

What better place to learn local history than a historic train depot? 🚂📚

The Freight Room recently welcomed middle school students for a local history presentation by the DeKalb County History Center. Surrounded by a piece of DeKalb County's history, students explored the stories, people, and places that helped shape our community.

We're grateful to provide a space where learning and local history come together.

05/27/2026

When your Marketing Director gets sent to the Village of Lee, IL with a camera... 📸👟

Sharing a few more photos from last year's Shabbona-Lee Community Fund announcement photo shoot. This exciting Fund supports long-term needs and future opportunities in both communities. Check out a few highlights from the adventure around town! 🏡🌳

Learn more at https://dekalbccf.org/2026/02/06/community-endowment-fund-launched-for-shabbona-and-lee/

05/27/2026

💙 More donors are rethinking what it means to leave a legacy, looking beyond family and considering the lasting impact they can make in their communities.

A thoughtful estate plan can support the people and causes you care about while helping create opportunities for future generations right here in DeKalb County.

Explore current trends in estate planning and discover how charitable giving can be part of your legacy: https://dekalbccf.org/2026/05/06/rethinking-your-legacy-with-family-and-community-in-mind/

05/26/2026

🎉 $119,900 awarded to 18 DeKalb County organizations!

This spring, grants from the Community Foundation are funding projects across the county. From new turnout gear for Lee Fire Department and security upgrades at St. Mary School - DeKalb, IL, to tech for Opportunity House, Inc vocational training and refrigeration for Voluntary Action Center.

Thank you to the donors who make this possible, and congratulations to all recipients 👏

See the full list of projects: https://dekalbccf.org/2026/05/19/119900-in-grants-awarded-to-address-community-needs/

📸 St. Mary School Principal Ashley Davis accepts a Spring 2026 grant from Board member Lizy Garcia Ramirez.