New Fund Honors Jim's Legacy of Service

Announcing the Dombek Family Community Service Scholarship Fund—benefiting graduating seniors from Sycamore High School. This scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to Jim Dombek and his lifelong commitment to education, youth, and community service.

Fund story honoring Jim Dombek >

$23K Powered by Youth, for Youth

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is thrilled to announce the distribution of $23,753 in grants to 13 organizations for youth-focused programs making a difference across DeKalb County. Organizations received recognition during the May 12 YEP meeting.

List of organizations and grant details >

Kindergarten, Here We Come!

We're happy to share that 949 kindergarten readiness toolkits have been provided to families in all eight public school districts and three private schools in DeKalb County.

Together, we're helping young children build key skills for a strong start to kindergarten.

Toolkit details and adorable photos >

Shining a Light on Outstanding Educators

Congratulations to this year’s Excellence in Education Award recipients! In April, the Community Foundation and the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education proudly honored outstanding educators from Hiawatha, Sycamore, Sandwich, and Genoa-Kingston school districts.

Photos and award details >

Join our Team!

After years of dedicated service, our Finance Director is retiring and relocating, opening up a meaningful opportunity to join the Community Foundation team. We’re looking for someone to step into this full-time leadership role as Finance Director.



Job details and compensation >

Internship Program Spotlight

Meet Emily Pawlowski, a political science major at Northern Illinois University, minoring in NNGO studies. Through the Internship Program, she’s gaining valuable experience working with 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care. 

Emily'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.

Give DeKalb County Total!

Through AMAZING donor generosity, this year's Give DeKalb County event raised over $2.09 million (a new giving day record) in support of 163 organizations and Funds. The final grand total will be announced May 15.

Current total and participants list >

Special thanks to all the Community Partners and Media Sponsors for their tremendous partnership.

Ways to Give in 2025 – Lasting Impact

Thinking about giving in 2025? In uncertain times, choosing between cash or stock gifts can impact your finances—and help local nonprofits continue their work when it’s needed most.

Plan your giving with impact >

Reminder: 25% Tax Credit

Illinois donors can now receive a 25% state income tax credit for gifts to eligible endowed Funds at the Community Foundation through the new IL Gives Tax Credit Program — don’t miss out!

Step-by-step guide to donating >