New Fund Supports Health and Human Services

We are excited to announce the Pay It Forward Health & Human Services Fund, carrying forward a legacy of care and support for health and human services across DeKalb County.

👉 Read the full story >

Empowering Students, Building Futures

This year, students across DeKalb County received scholarships totaling more than $439,000 from Funds at the Community Foundation. An incredible investment in the next generation!

👉 View scholarships awarded by high school >

Grant Supports Cortland Library

Thank you to Mariann Kaminski (3rd from left) for participating in our Community Impact Grant drawing and directing the grant dollars to support her charitable interests in the Cortland community, specifically the Cortland Community Library for audiobook devices. The drawing took place during the Cortland Community Gathering on August 21, 2025.

Nominate an Outstanding DeKalb County Educator

We invite you to nominate a teacher, administrator, or staff member for an Excellence in Education Award. Nominations are open through October 31, 2025!

👉 Submit your nomination >

Charitable Option for Farmers

The Gift of Grain program offers farmers a meaningful way to give back. By donating grain, you can align your generosity with your charitable goals and enjoy potential tax benefits. It’s a win for you and for the community!

👉 Learn how Gift of Grain works >

This unique giving opportunity is made possible through a partnership between the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation.

Future Leaders Intern Spotlight - DCNP

Meet Caitlin Pruitt, a business management and marketing student at Northern Illinois University. Through her internship with Tails Humane Society, Caitlin gained valuable insight into the nonprofit world.

👉 Read Caitlin's update >

Internship Program Spotlight

Meet Van Tran, a business management major at Northern Illinois University focused on social entrepreneurship. Through the Internship Program, Van is gaining valuable experience with Barb Food Mart.

👉 Read Van's update > 
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.

Gifts That Keep on Giving

Year-end giving is a meaningful way to support the charities that matter to you, and it can also provide practical benefits. If you itemize deductions, gifts to qualified charities may be deductible against your taxable income.

👉 Discover ways to give to the Foundation >

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Plan Ahead: DAF Gifts

If you would like to make year-end donations through your Donor Advised Fund, please schedule them by December 12 to allow enough time for processing and coordination.

Short-Term Impact or Lasting Legacy?

Have you thought about how long you would like your charitable giving to make a difference? Create giving plans that balance immediate community needs with lasting impact for future generations.

👉 Read more >