Community Impact

Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the dates listed below. Applications submitted after the specified deadlines will not be accepted. 

2026 Spring Cycle

Friday, March 6, 2026 – Deadline for 2026 Health & Human Services applications.

2026 Fall Cycle

Friday, September 4, 2026 – Deadline for 2026 Youth Education, Workforce Development, Environment, and Animal Welfare applications.

Seed Grants – up to $5,000

Organizations that have had their 501(c)(3) designation for less than three years are eligible to apply for a 1:1 matching grant up to $5,000. These grants are intended to help new organizations raise funds from individual donors and through fundraising events. If awarded a grant, funding will be distributed when proof that the matching dollar amount has been secured. Matching funds must be raised during the grant period.

Sustain Grants – up to $25,000

Organizations that have had their 501(c)(3) designation for more than three years may apply for grant funding up to a maximum of:

• $25,000 for programs in the areas of Health & Human Services, Youth Education, Workforce Development, and Environment
• $10,000 for Animal Welfare programs

Applicants requesting $5,000 or less will complete a streamlined version of the application. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 will be required to provide additional financial information and will need to respond to questions about sustainability, collaboration, and specific program outcomes.

In 2026, the DuPage Foundation will prioritize programs that address the following strategies in each issue area.

Health & Human Services
Programs that address basic needs and promote self-sufficiency by:
• Increasing food security through logistical and capacity improvements (excluding purchase of food).
• Providing access to healthcare for individuals experiencing health disparities (race/ethnic groups, low-income populations, aging populations, veterans, and other vulnerable individuals).
• Preventing homelessness through shelter, permanent housing, emergency assistance, and related services
• Expanding timely access to mental health and substance use disorder services

Youth Education
Programs that support at-risk youth through out-of-school academic support and leadership programs.

Workforce Development
Programs that help individuals to access, train, acquire certifications, and obtain employment in jobs that are highly needed in DuPage County, including the skilled trades.
• County-wide governmental entities may apply in this category only.

Environment
Programs that improve and support the natural environment in DuPage County by:
• Promoting conservation and restoration of natural areas.
• Reducing pollution and waste.
• Protecting wildlife and endangered species.
• Providing environmental education.

Applications to the Community Impact grant program will be accepted from not-for-profit charitable organizations that:

• Are public charities classified as exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Primarily serve DuPage County residents (50% or more of total clients); or

o Provide services in facilities physically located in DuPage County; or
o Have a demonstrated presence such as an existing track record of programming with specific DuPage-focused outcomes, a DuPage-specific budget and board members located in DuPage

Applications will not be accepted from:
• Individuals
• Organizations where participation in or exposure to religious activities is required in the program (secular activities provided by religious organizations may be eligible for grant funding)
• Organizations that have received grants from unrestricted or field-of-interest funds through the Community Impact grant program for the past three consecutive years
• Disease-specific organizations
• Private foundations and private operating foundations
• Hospitals, including supporting foundations
• Governmental agencies, including supporting foundations (county-wide governmental entities may apply in the Workforce Development category)
• Public, parochial, private, or charter schools (pre-k through 12th grade), including supporting foundations

Additionally, the Foundation does not award grants from the Community Impact grant program for:
• Endowments
• Historical societies or their related foundations to support projects that do not have a broad reach beyond a specific community
• Food purchases (Equipment and other programs provided by organizations that distribute food are eligible for grant funds)
• Capital projects

The Foundation Grant Committee consists of Foundation Trustees and community volunteers. The Committee meets several times to review and evaluate all applications received and to conduct site visits when appropriate. The Committee then makes grant recommendations to the full Board of Trustees for approval.

All applicants will be notified via email whether or not a grant has been awarded. Notification will be sent in mid-May for spring cycle grant requests and mid-November for fall cycle grant requests.