Here’s how to donate for Give DeKalb County’s 2025 fundraiser

SYCAMORE – On May 1, generosity takes center stage as Give DeKalb County returns for its 12th year.

With more than $10.7 million raised to date, this countywide giving day offers multiple donation options, and every contribution is boosted by the Bonus Pool, which increases the impact of each gift. Funds raised support local nonprofits that provide services directly to DeKalb County residents.

For some, such as Manny Pena, Give DeKalb County is an annual part of their charitable efforts. Pena, an American Family Insurance agent with offices in Sycamore and Genoa, also sits on the Community Foundation’s board. He and his wife have been in Sycamore for 10 years, and he’s been giving to Give DeKalb County for eight.

Pena heralded efforts by Community Foundation staff who he said work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a successful 24-hour fundraiser.

“You couldn’t do it without the community,” Pena said. “People ask me why I get involved in doing this, and the reason is I live in DeKalb County. I believe in giving back to the community that gives to me.”

This year, Pena said he plans to support the Community Foundation, the Bonus Pool and Habitat for Humanity. As a U.S. Army veteran who served in the 86th Airborne Infantry from 1983 to 1986, Pena said the housing nonprofit’s efforts to support veterans is something especially near and dear to his heart.

“One of the few items on my to-do list every year [is], ‘How do you help those that are in need?’” Pena said. “Habitat for Humanity being able to help those get into a house, you’re taking care of somebody who probably couldn’t do it on their own.”

Longtime donor Micki Chulick has been supporting area nonprofits through Give DeKalb County for its entire 12-year run.

“The reason my husband and I give is because we’re very encouraged that the agencies want to work together because they are definitely stronger,” Chulik said Wednesday.

Like Pena, she also plans to support the Bonus Pool, which as of Tuesday had raised more than $200,000.

Chulik said that she encourages all her friends to donate, too. She’s inspired by the trust the community places in the foundation to steward their donations, which have brought millions over the years to area nonprofits that provide services directly to residents.

“To me, every year when Give DeKalb County comes, it reminds me of what a generous and caring community we live in, and that is what I like to remind people of,” Chulik said. “DeKalb County is a great place to live, a great place to raise your family.”

How to donate

• Online: May 1, from midnight to midnight at GiveDeKalbCounty.org using a credit or debit card, electronic bank transfer, or mobile pay.
• By mail: Now through May 1, download a donation form at GiveDeKalbCounty.org and mail your completed form with a check payable to “DCCF” for the total donation amount to DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.
• In person: May 1, donation drop-off event at the Community Foundation from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. After that, donors also can drop off gifts using a secure exterior drop box at the foundation. Office doors close at 5 p.m.

Give DeKalb County is coordinated by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, a program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. In 2024, Give DeKalb County attracted 8,501 donations from donors in 42 states and two countries.

“Give DeKalb County is a chance for everyone to get involved, give back and be part of something bigger,” DCNP Director Ben Bingle said in a news release. “It is inspiring to see so many people rally around local causes – and with multiple ways to give, it has never been easier to make a difference.”

Some area businesses are tying in special features this year in an attempt to churn out more support for local nonprofits, organizers said.

From 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, buy a steak dinner at Hy-Vee, 2700 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, and $1 of the proceeds will go to the fundraiser’s Bonus Pool. Also at Hy-Vee, 10 cents of every gallon of fuel sold will be donated to the Bonus Pool. Customers at Bockman’s Automotive can donate up to 50% of their “Bockman’s Reward Dollars,” and the company will match the first $500 raised, organizers said.

During the in-person event, donors can bring their donation form and check to the Community Foundation, enjoy light refreshments, and watch the Give DeKalb County total grow. Those who prefer to use a donor-advised fund or make a qualified charitable distribution from an individual retirement account should use the mail-in donation form and mailing process. Additional details are online at GiveDeKalbCounty.org/Info/Ways-to-Give.

“Each donation, regardless of size, is amplified by the Bonus Pool,” Bingle said. ”We are inspired by the generosity of DeKalb County and thank everyone who plans to participate.”

Donations made during Give DeKalb County leverage a percentage of the Bonus Pool, which is funded by generous community partners. A complete list of community partners and media sponsors is available at GiveDeKalbCounty.org.

The minimum online donation amount is $5; there is no minimum for mailed donations. For a list of participating organizations or more information about Give DeKalb County, visit GiveDeKalbCounty.org or contact Bingle at ben@dekalbccf.org. Follow the giving day on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

This story was updated at 3:42 p.m. April 30, 2025.