Give DeKalb County sets $1.5M record high for donations to area organizations

SYCAMORE – DeKalb County’s annual 24-hour day of giving set a new fundraising record this year: More than $1.5 million raised for 140 area organizations.

Give DeKalb County has raised $1,579,859, according to a Friday announcement posted by the fundraiser’s organizers on social media. That’s an all-time high for the fundraiser event which brought in 2,780 donors earlier this month for 140 nonprofit organizations.

According to a press release from foundation, Give DeKalb County reached new all-time highs with a record number of participating nonprofits and a bonus pool of donations meant to raise individual giving.

And for the first time this year, donations came in from all 50 states, according to the release.

The Give DeKalb County fundraiser, hosted by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, supports organizations that funnel resources directly back into the community. Give DeKalb County is coordinated by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, a program of the foundation.

“Thank you to everyone who got involved in Give DeKalb County 2022,” Ben Bingle, grants and director of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership with the community foundation said in a news release. “May 5 was an exhilarating day that showcased the impact of donor generosity as well as the importance of nonprofit organizations.”

According to Give DeKalb County’s website, the top-funded organization this year was Hope Haven of DeKalb County Inc., DeKalb’s shelter for unhoused individuals, which received $86,200 from 265 donors.

Safe Passage Inc., DeKalb County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center, received $78,475 from 328 donors, Kishwaukee Family YMCA received $63,898 from 88 donors, and Oaken Acres Wildlife Center received $62,975 from 242 donors.

Brain Reis, executive director of the Ellwood House Museum and Give DeKalb County committee chair, said he was excited by the results.

“Whether it be education, environment, social services, or the arts, our nonprofits are giving back to the community every day,” Reis said. “And Give DeKalb County is a massive sign of support from the community. We are thankful to all the organizations and donors who make the day a success.”

This story was updated at 5 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2022 with additional information from Give DeKalb County organizers.