Build the Future Grant Program

Build the Future Grant Program is sponsored by DeKalb County Community Foundation. The Build the Future Grant Program supports the construction and expansion of facilities that serve the charitable needs of residents in DeKalb County, IL.

Build the Future Grants - DeKalb County Community Foundation STEP 1 - Request a Project Appointment - 2026 Grant Guidelines - The Build the Future Grant program at the DeKalb County Community Foundation supports the construction and expansion of facilities that meet the charitable needs of DeKalb County, IL.

With grants of up to $100,000—distributed in multi-year installments—these grants empower local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public sector entities strengthen their infrastructure and expand their impact. This program replaces the large request category of the Foundation’s Community Needs Grant program. Moving forward, all eligible requests for facility construction or expansion will be considered through Build the Future Grants.

Build the Future Grants support projects that involve constructing new facilities or expanding existing spaces . These improvements help organizations grow their capacity and better serve the residents of DeKalb County, IL. Schedule an appointment with our grants staff at grants@dekalbccf.

org or 815-748-5383 to discuss your project and timeline. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI): Complete the LOI through the online grant portal. LOIs are reviewed, and applicants are contacted within two weeks of the deadline to discuss the next steps.

Full Application Submission: Based on feedback, applicants may be invited to complete a full application online. Presentations and Site Visits: Applicants may be asked to present their proposal or host a site visit. By submitting a proposal, you authorize the Community Foundation to share application details with other donors who may co-fund the project.

Evaluation and Notification: Applications are reviewed, and decisions are announced within three months of the full application submission. Hard copy applications are NOT accepted. Foundation staff and Board members may request additional information.

Preference is given to 501(c)(3) organizations that directly assist and benefit DeKalb County residents.

February 1: Applications open April 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) due and feedback provided within two weeks May 15: Full grant application due May - June: Site visits conducted June: Applications reviewed by the committee and recommendations submitted to the Board July: Board review and action August 1: Grant decisions announced Grants staff are available year-round to answer questions, discuss project ideas, and assist applicants.

Please contact us at 815-748-5383 or grants@dekalbccf. org .

Nondiscrimination Policy - Grantmaking No person in the United States shall, on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex and gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, pregnancy, veteran status, military obligations, marital or parental status, political affiliation, or any other improper criterion be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available by the Community Foundation, and any other program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds appropriated for grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance administered by the Community Foundation.

2026 Grants - $150,000 awarded in support 2025 Grants - $140,000 awarded in support Philanthropists of all ages have established and supported Community Impact Funds at the Community Foundation, enabling the funding of Build the Future Grants. Together, we’re helping today and shaping tomorrow! Learn more or donate to a Community Impact Fund >