Facade Improvement Program
For information regarding the City’s Fade Improvement Program, please visit the Facade Improvement Program page here.
Impact Investing
Impact investing isn't just about making money; it's about making a difference. This is a transformative idea where financial returns meet positive economic and social change, and every investment decision has the power to generate meaningful transformations in our local communities.
The Board of Directors of the DeKalb County Community Foundation has committed $500,000 to launch this program, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to using charitable resources in sustainable ways that benefit our community.
Impact investing differs from a grant program, where dollars are awarded for a specific program or project. Instead, this program provides investment dollars or commitments, in the form of loans, loan guarantees or equity investments, which are repaid to the DeKalb County Community Foundation and then reinvested to support new projects throughout DeKalb County, IL.
"Impact investing positively impacts our communities while generating income for future reinvestment opportunities. It's about working together to create a brighter future for all!"
Application Steps:
- Eligible applicants (nonprofit or for profit entities) review the project criteria & requirements and submit a proposal online.
- OR the Foundation identifies local projects focusing on education, boosting the economy, preserving the environment, or promoting equity.
- Proposals are carefully evaluated by Foundation staff to ensure they're viable and a good fit.
- If a project is approved, the applicant receives the needed funding.
- As they use that money to create positive change, they pay it back, ensuring a cycle of ongoing impact for everyone involved.
- The Foundation repeats the process with additional approved applications.
Due to our emphasis on creating positive social change, loans may carry below market rates and be eligible to organizations that, due to size or experience, may not be a good fit for traditional lending institutions.
For financial or application questions, please contact Finance Director Scott Gulke at 815-748-5383 or s.gulke [at] dekalbccf.org (s[dot]gulke[at]dekalbccf[dot]org). For project suitability, impact, and operational questions, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at dan [at] dekalbccf.org (dan[at]dekalbccf[dot]org).
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Starting a new business is an exciting time, but is can also be challenging. Questions can seem endless: Where will my business be located? What licenses or permits are required? How do I get financing?
The State of Illinois is here to help. We’ve created a clearinghouse of information for entrepreneurs on starting a new business, a one-stop shop for all things startup. Your road to business ownership begins here.
For more information contact:
First Stop Business Information Center
Illinois Department of Commerce
800.252.2923 or
ceo.firststop [at] illinois.gov (ceo[dot]firststop[at]illinois[dot]gov)