Over $1.5 million raised during Give DeKalb County 2021

Donors throughout DeKalb County and beyond contributed to the largest-ever Give DeKalb County by donating more than $1.5 million in support of nonprofit organizations. This philanthropic event is coordinated by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP), which is a program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

“May 6 was an electrifying day highlighting the importance of nonprofit organizations, the impact of generosity and the incredible community pride in DeKalb County,” said Ben Bingle, director of DCNP. “More than 3,200 people made over 8,300 donations through this event. The outpouring of support from donors was remarkable and we appreciate every single donor who shared their generosity through Give DeKalb County.”

Give DeKalb County reached all-time highs in every major category, such as total donors, total donations, number of participating nonprofits, Bonus Pool total, and grand total.

Donors gave by mail between April 22 and May 6 and online from midnight to midnight on May 6 at GiveDeKalbCounty.org. The fundraiser topped $1 million just after 6:00 p.m. on May 6. A Bonus Pool of $168,987 boosted all online and mail-in donations.

Brian Reis, executive director of the Ellwood House Museum and Give DeKalb County committee chair, was excited by the results. “Give DeKalb County is an extraordinary day to witness the power of philanthropy in our community. I am astounded by the generous giving on May 6 and know that every dollar is a welcome and needed donation for our nonprofit organizations,” said Reis.

A record number of Community Partners donated to the Bonus Pool, including: 3M, AM/PM Solutions & Services, Anderson Funeral Home, Byers Brewing Company, Cathy Doederlein, Chulick Family Fund, Curran Family Endowment Fund, Dan and Kathy Schewe, Dave and Suzanne Juday, David and Beth Prestegaard, DeKalb County Community Foundation, Drake Castle Charitable Fund, Ed and Debbie Rosenow, Facebook, First Midwest Bank, Heartland Bank and Trust Company, Herb and Linda Holderman, Horizons Unlimited Foundation, IDEAL Industries Foundation, James K. and Loretta M. Hipple Family Fund, Joe and Andria Mitchell, Johns Family Donor Advised Fund, Joyce and Craig Mathey, Karen and Joseph Grush, Keicher Insurance Agency, Inc., Leeward Energy, Lehan Drugs, Lynne Waldeland, Mark Mannebach and Erika Schlichter, Nancy D. Castle Charitable Fund, NIU’s Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies Ambassadors, Paul and Cheryl Callighan, Reva Jungst, Sally Bruch, Scott and Kristin Miller, Shepard Construction, Soft Water City, Inc., SOW Coffee Company, Stephen Kalber, Steve and Patricia Faivre, Sycamore Cinco de Mayo, Syndeo, The Suter Company, Inc., Thomas Warren and Friends Fund, Thrivent Financial – Shawn Blobaum, Turner Family Charitable Fund, Victoria Young Donor Advised Fund, Wrennhouse Fund, Yerkes Consulting, LLC., and Zurbrugg Family.

Media Sponsors donated in-kind promotional and advertising assistance, including: 94.9 WDKB, 98.9 WLBK, 102.3 The Coyote, 107.3 WSPY, Banner Up Signs, Brian Bemis Auto Group, City of DeKalb, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb County Historical – Genealogical Society, DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau, First National Bank, Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, Kar-Fre Flowers, Lehan Drugs, LePrint Express, OC Creative, Provident Direct, Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Sandwich Public Library District, Shaw Media, and Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.

Visit GiveDeKalbCounty.org to view the final leaderboard and organizational totals!