DeKalb County Receives Grant to Boost Rural Community Development

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has been awarded a significant grant to foster development in rural communities through a partnership with Compeer Financial. This initiative is part of the Rural Collaboration Project, which aims to strengthen and support rural areas. DeKalb County is among 13 selected communities to benefit from this initiative, as detailed in a recent news release.

Dan Templin, executive director of the Community Foundation, expressed gratitude for the support from Compeer Financial. He stated, “We’re very thankful for Compeer’s continued support of DeKalb County. This grant and the new Fund will help us work more closely with rural communities in DeKalb County and support projects that matter to them.” The Foundation has received an additional grant of $50,000 from Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America.

Establishment of the Rural Vitality Fund

The recent funding will enable the creation of the DeKalb County Rural Vitality Fund, designed to address key challenges in rural areas with populations under 10,000. This fund will focus on enhancing economic growth, improving essential services, and assisting communities in future planning.

To oversee the fund’s initiatives, a Rural Vitality Committee has been established, operating under the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). The committee includes representatives from various organizations, such as the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, and local government entities. This diverse representation aims to better understand the unique needs and opportunities within rural communities throughout DeKalb County.

Melissa Amedeo, executive director of DCEDC, highlighted the importance of rural towns, stating, “Our rural towns are a big part of what makes DeKalb County strong. This effort brings people together to listen, plan, and build a better future.”

Focus on Community Needs and Long-Term Impact

Compeer Financial, a member-owned cooperative, has committed to supporting farmers and rural communities. Its Fund for Rural America is dedicated to facilitating local projects that create lasting changes. “We see rural communities flourish when organizations and individuals unite around a shared purpose. With this project, we can support many efforts ranging from community and farming needs to education and entrepreneurship,” said Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving at Compeer.

The Agriculture and Rural Initiative, established by Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors in 2019, has made significant investments in projects that are prioritized by member-owners. To date, the initiative has allocated $10 million, including $2.4 million specifically for rural vitality, human health, and agriculture workforce development.

For those interested in learning more about the Rural Vitality Committee or exploring partnership opportunities, Melissa Amedeo can be contacted through the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, donations to the DeKalb County Rural Vitality Fund can be made by reaching out to Dan Templin at [email protected] or by calling 815-748-5383.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has served the region since 1993, aiming to enhance the quality of life through various initiatives, including grantmaking and community development. The Foundation manages over 475 Funds, collectively providing more than $4 million annually to support current and future community needs. More information is available at dekalbccf.org.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, founded in 1987, is dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth across DeKalb County, Illinois. Through collaborative efforts, DCEDC focuses on business retention, expansion, and attracting new investments, facilitating long-term prosperity for the region. Further details can be found at dcedc.org.