Give Dekalb County FAQ

Q. What is Give DeKalb County?
Give DeKalb County is a philanthropic event featuring multiple ways for donors to support nonprofit organizations located in or serving DeKalb County, Illinois. Donors can give by check, IRA, Donor-Advised Fund, or online during the 24-hour giving day, May 7, 2026.

 

Q. How do I donate by mail?

Follow these steps:

• Download and print a mail-in donation form (at the bottom of this page).

• Complete the form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s).

• Write a single check for the total amount payable to “DCCF.”

• Mail your check and form by May 7 to the address on the form.  

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Mail-in donations must be postmarked April 23 - May 7 to be included in Give DeKalb County.

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Q. Can I drop off my donation?

Completed donation forms and checks may also be dropped off our Box Office between or the DeKalb County Community Foundation using the secure exterior mailbox to the right of our main entrance.

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Q. When will mailed donations be visible on the website?

Donations will not appear on the website until the giving day on May 7. Depending on the number of donations, there is no guarantee that donations postmarked after May 1 will be visible on the website by May 7. As mailed donations continue to arrive after the giving day, they will be added to the website and the leaderboard and organizational totals will continue to increase.

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Q. What else should I know about mailed donations?

A few tips:

• Complete the donation form entirely and legibly - this makes a big difference when processing your gift.

• Double-check your math on the form so your total donation amount equals the sum of all your individual donations (if making multiple gifts).

• Be sure to include how you want your name to appear publicly or if you prefer to be anonymous to the public.

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Q. What is the minimum donation amount?

The minimum online donation is $5. Mailed donations can be made for any amount. There is no maximum donation amount.

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Q.  Other ways to donate?

IRA by Mail:

• Initiate distribution with your IRA custodian directed to the DeKalb County Community Foundation

• Complete the mail-in donation form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s)

• Mail form to DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178

• The distribution from your IRA should match the total amount you indicate on your mail-in form - please start this process as early as possible to avoid delays

DAF by Mail:

• Make a distribution from your Donor Advised Fund directed to the DeKalb County Community Foundation

• Follow the IRA by Mail process

• Note: Donor Advised Funds held at the DeKalb County Community Foundation will be contacted and follow a different process