YEP Grants

YEP Grants is sponsored by DeKalb County Community Foundation. Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants support projects and organizations that enhance the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County, IL. Projects must serve the local community, involve youth in meaningful ways, and promote youth empowerment and leadership.

YEP Grants - DeKalb County Community Foundation (Closed for Applications) - 2027 Grant Guidelines - Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants support projects and organizations that enhance the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County, IL.

To be considered for funding, projects must: Serve the local community Involve youth in meaningful ways Promote youth empowerment and leadership Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. YEP offers high school students the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn about local nonprofits, and grow as lifelong philanthropists.

Each year, YEP’s efforts culminate in an April grant allocation meeting, where members thoughtfully discuss and recommend how to distribute $15,000+ in funding to nonprofit and public sector organizations serving youth in DeKalb County. Final recommendations are then presented to the Community Foundation Board of Directors for approval.

All applicants should review the YEP Grant Guidelines and the 40 Developmental Assets™ before applying. Grant requests can be up to $2,500 maximum . Nonprofit organizations with youth-focused initiatives in DeKalb County are highly encouraged to apply.

Application opens: October 15 (two months prior to the deadline) Application deadline: 11:59 p. m. on December 15 Review the 2027 YEP Grant Guidelines > Review the 40 Developmental Assets > YEP awarded $19,200 in grants during its May 2026 celebration meeting.

YEP Grants Process and Timeline Part of what makes YEP Grants unique is their youth-led nature . High school students serving on the YEP Committee review all grant applications—and for many, this may be their first time engaging in the grantmaking process. Participating offers valuable opportunities for students to grow in communication, critical thinking, and leadership .

Applicant note: We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the grant process. You may even find moments to support and encourage these young leaders along the way. To ensure fairness and consistency, YEP staff advisors actively guide and support students during every phase.

For applications requiring a site visit, a YEP advisor will accompany students to help facilitate a productive and engaging experience. Thank you for being part of this meaningful learning opportunity!

(NEW) October 15 – YEP Grant applications open (NEW) December 15 – Application deadline January YEP Meeting – Applications are announced and assigned to YEP members January–April 1 – Members review applications; conduct site visits for select proposal April YEP Meeting – Members discuss all applications and finalize funding recommendations Late April – YEP presents funding recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors Late April/Early May – Applicants are notified of grant decisions; YEP invites recipients to the May meeting May YEP Meeting – Grantees attend the celebration meeting to receive recognition and grant letters Mid-May – ACH transfers of YEP Grants are processed for recipient organizations For questions or more information, please contact YEP Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.

white@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 YEP Grants - $19,200 in total grants to benefit youth programs and projects 2025 YEP Grants - $23,753 in total grants to benefit youth programs and projects 2024 YEP Grants - $17,177 in total grants to benefit youth programs and projects Additional grant distributions - YEP Grants 2026 - Two Rivers Head Start Agency receives a YEP Grant at the May celebration meeting.

2026 - Genoa Public Library District receives a YEP Grant at the May celebration meeting. Funding for YEP Grants is made possible through the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund at the Community Foundation. As this Fund continues to grow, so does its impact on youth in DeKalb County!

If you want to positively impact youth in our community, consider donating to the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund. For questions or additional information, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf. org .

Donate to the DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers Fund >