20 Y e a r s Partnering in
Philanthropy
1993-2013
Report to the
Community
For Good. For Ever.
A n
I d e a . . .
The Beginning of a community Treasure 20 years of Community P h i l a n t h r o py
In 1992, Charles and Mary Roberts had already made their mark through community philanthropy in DeKalb County. The local couple, primarily known because of their DeKalb Ag background, extensively shared their time, talent and treasure. It was no surprise when their research to enhance this spirit of caring lead them to learn that community foundations were sprouting up across the country. Why not a community foundation in DeKalb County?
Ron Klein, local attorney, worked closely with the Roberts couple to propel their vision for DeKalb County into existence. Klein was able to confirm enthusiastic support from civic and business leaders. In March, 1993 he secured the required government approval and with an initial $3.6 million contribution from the Roberts Family, the DeKalb County Community Foundation was born.
Dan Templin, Executive Director in Original Depot Ticket Window Greetings! And welcome to this very special edition of our annual Report to the Community publication. We are excited to take this opportunity to highlight the 20-year history of the DeKalb County Community Foundation and how it has lived its mission in communities throughout DeKalb County. As you might imagine, it has been a challenge to fit so much philanthropic activity into just 8 pages! Our apologies go out to those many people and organizations who are part of the DCCF’s story, but are not mentioned in this publication….their influence exists far beyond these pages.
Retiring from his position as Executive Director of the Northern Illinois University Foundation, Richard “Dick” Ubl was recruited by the newly created Board of Directors as DeKalb County Community Foundation’s first Executive Director. Ubl’s unique leadership was key in launching the Community Foundation to its recognized success in its early years. Ubl served as Executive Director until 1999.
CONTINUING THE IN V ESTMENT
We are grateful to the hundreds of people who have partnered with the Community Foundation over the years to fulfill their philanthropic goals and support the quality of life in DeKalb County by working together. Special thanks also goes to Jerry Smith, DCCF Executive Director from 1999-2008, who wrote much of this material for this historical walk through the Foundation’s story. Thanks to Shaw Media Group, Trittenhaus Design, Kyler Photography, and Womack Photography for the many ways they support our communication needs. The Community Foundation is, in part, about ‘connecting’… people with causes they care about, money with organizational need, talent and goodwill with avenues to express them. As you read through this publication, let one of our Board Members or staff members know how you connect with our mission; and how we may help you with your philanthropic dreams!
dekalbccf.org
Over $15 Million in Grants Throughout DeKalb County
During the past 20 years, DCCF has awarded over $15 million in grants, scholarships and other charitable fund distributions to over 400 nonprofit, public and community organizations throughout DeKalb County.
Past presidents of the Board of Directors formed the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Presidents Council in October 2013. This group of distinguished leaders will gather a few times a year with the current DCCF Board and Staff leadership in order to advise the Foundation and stay connected to its priorities around the County. Presidents Council members (and their terms as President) include (left to right): Ron Klein (1993-1994), Tim Suter (2013-Present), Bill Mullins (2006), Suzanne Juday (2004-2005), Bill Nicklas (2003), Dave Juday (19951996), Brad Brown (2007-2008), Tom Matya (2009-2010), Tim Dunlop (2011-2012). Not pictured are: Mary Krupp (1997-1998), Gordon Melms (1999-2000), and Mike Cullen (2001-2002).
ABC Preschool • Access Services of Northern Illinois • Adventure Works of DeKalb County • Adventures in Barbland • Altrusa Club DeKalb/Sycamore • American Heart Association • American Red Cross/DeKalb Chapter • Annex Theatre • Art Attack, School of Art • Barb City Manor • Ben Gordon Center, Inc. • Bethany First Step Preschool • Bethesda Lutheran Foundation Inc • Bethlehem Feed My Sheep Food Pantr • Big Brothers/Big Sisters • Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout Pack 131 • Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 139 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 26 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2810 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 45 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 47 • Boy Scouts of America, Troop 71 • B’Y.O.N.D. Sportz • C.H.A.D.D.Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder • Camp to Belong • CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocates • Children’s Community Theatre • Children’s Home & Aid Society • Children’s Learning Center • Children’s Waiting Room of DeKalb • City of DeKalb • City of Genoa • City of Sandwich • Clinton Township Community Building • Clinton Township Public Library • Club Resolution • Community Coordinated Child Care (4C) • COMPASS • Conexion Comunidad • Consumer Advocacy Council of DeKalb County • Cornerstone Christian Academy • Cortland Community Library • Cortland Fire Department • Cortland Firefighters Association • Cortland Police Department • DCP/SAFE • DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association • DeKalb Area Women’s Center • DeKalb Barb Boosters • DeKalb Chamber of Commerce • DeKalb Chapter of the Save A Life • DeKalb Cooperative Preschool Council • DeKalb County 4-H Foundation • DeKalb County Animal Welfare League
T h e
Ea r l y
Y e a r s
1993-1997 “The new Board’s enthusiasm and hard work gives us confidence that our decision to start the DCCF was a good one. However, the true evaluation will be if donors of all size potential are attracted to the concept. We very much hope so.” – Charlie and Mary Roberts
Ron Klein was president of the first 21-member Board of Directors. The first board was comprised of leaders from all corners of the county to help grow capital and visibility. The board would need to work hard to achieve the Roberts’ goal of a county-wide Community Foundation.
Sycamore business leader, Dave Juday, recalled the press conference announcing the DCCF’s formation when Ubl announced the DCCF’s goal of $10 million in assets by the turn of the century. Juday did not believe such growth would be possible, but the goal was exceeded even earlier than anticipated because of the community’s support and the board’s emphasis on capital development. The original DCCF logo, created by Jeanmarie De Vale, represents the integration of home, business, and agriculture in DeKalb County. The stalks of corn have their roots in the Roberts family tie to DeKalb Ag and their love for community. In 2012, the logo evolved to encompass the DCCF’s move to its permanent home in the Sycamore Train Depot.
Part-time assistant Judy Rood joined Dick Ubl to establish the DCCF’s first office in Sycamore. Dick, Judy, and the Board made it a priority to build unrestricted charitable funds. That hard work paid off, as the Foundation has maintained an average of 40% of its assets in unrestricted funds, allowing it to grow its discretionary grantmaking.
In its first year, the DCCF distributed 5% of its assets in grants. The board decided to distribute numerous small grants to many nonprofit organizations across the county. At the end of the first year, total assets surpassed $4 million and about $150,000 in grants were distributed. In 1997, the DCCF surpassed a benchmark of granting over $1 million throughout the County since its inception. Board president Dave Juday and Dick Ubl posed with a large check to signal this landmark achievement.
• DeKalb County Association of Museums • DeKalb County Boxing Club • DeKalb County Children & Adolescent Local Area Network • DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center • DeKalb County Collector • DeKalb County Community Gardens • DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board • DeKalb County Community Services • DeKalb County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau • DeKalb County Court Services • DeKalb County Drug /DUI Court • DeKalb County Economic Development Cooperation • DeKalb County Farm Bureau • DeKalb County Forest Preserve District • DeKalb County Government • DeKalb County Health Department • DeKalb County Historical-Genealogical Society • DeKalb County Hospice • DeKalb County Housing Authority • DeKalb County Human Service Initative • DeKalb County KEYS Initiative • DeKalb County Local Interagency Networking Council • DeKalb County Networking for Families • DeKalb County Nursing Home Foundation • DeKalb County Rehabilitation Nursing • DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department • DeKalb County Special Education Association • DeKalb County Superintendent of Schools • DeKalb County Transition Planning Committee • DeKalb County U of I Extension • DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau • DeKalb Education Foundation • DeKalb Family History Center • DeKalb Festival Chorus • DeKalb Fire Department • DeKalb First United Methodist Church • DeKalb Leadership Academy • DeKalb Local Interagency Networking Council • DeKalb Main Street, Inc. • DeKalb Municipal Band • DeKalb Music Boosters • DeKalb Park District • DeKalb Police Department • DeKalb Public Library • DeKalb School-Chesebro Elementary • DeKalb School-Clinton Rosette Middle School • DeKalb School-Cortland Elementary School • DeKalb School-Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary • DeKalb School-High School • DeKalb School-Huntley Middle School • DeKalb School-Lincoln School • DeKalb School-Littlejohn • DeKalb School-Littlejohn Elementary • DeKalb School-Tyler Elementary • DeKalb School-Wright Elementary • DeKalb Sesquicentennial Committee • DeKalb United Way • DeKalb-Sycamore Association of Special Recreation • Downtown DeKalb Association • Dreamers Theatre Group, Inc. NFP • Egyptian Theatre • Elder Care Services • Ellwood House Museum • Elmwood Cemetery Gates • Epilepsy Foundation/North Central Illlinois • Equine Dreams • Fairygodmother Foundation • Family Service Agency of DeKalb County • Federated Church Preschool • Feed ‘em Soup • First Daycare and Preschool • First Friends Day Care Center • First United Methodist Church • First United Preschool and Daycare • Fox Valley Older Adult Services •
T h e
u p s
&
D o w n s
1998-2002 Mary A. Krupp served as Board President during 1998. Mary had spearheaded DCCF’s publicity efforts during her six years on the Board, and was instrumental in stressing the importance of media visibility. The Foundation had grown to $12.7 million in assets by the end of 1998, eclipsing the “$10 million by the year 2000” prediction from Dick Ubl.
Major change would highlight the Community Foundation landscape in 1999, including Dick Ubl’s desire to leave this “part time job,” retire, and turn the reigns over to the organization’s first full-time executive. Before that would be accomplished, Ubl and new president Gordon Melms had the pleasant task of accepting what at the time was the largest known charitable bequest in DeKalb County history - $3.7 million from the estate of Elizabeth Bradt Reed, a 10year resident of DeKalb Area Retirement Center/Oak Crest.
During the latter half of 1999, the Board welcomed Jerry Smith as its first full-time employee. Smith, who had spent 30 years at Castle-PrinTech, was “perfect to lead this Foundation into a new century,” wrote Melms, who added that “Jerry’s knowledge of the community and his involvement in countless organizations make him an outstanding choice.” Jerry emphasized the Community Foundation’s role as a convener, community collaborator, and a catalyst to effect change within our non-profit agencies. His leadership led to the Foundation already fulfilling these roles in many areas by the time he retired at the end of 2008.
Our organization was not insulated from the lackluster market performance in 2000,” wrote new president Mike Cullen in that year’s annual report. The banker wrote that it was “a reminder to all on our Board of our tremendous fiduciary responsibility to our donors and our community.” The poor marketplace further deteriorated investments, but the Board stood firm in its attempts to broaden the base of donor support and service to those who needed our help.
Rita Anderson joined the Foundation staff as administrative assistant in 2000 as the organization’s second full-time employee. Rita’s 28 years at DeKalb Poultry Research, Inc. gave her a unique knowledge of the community and very relevant office experience. She helped usher in the organization’s first website, dekalbcountyfoundation.org. Rita provided 10 years of dedicated service to the Foundation.
During 2000, the DCCF took four words and joined similar foundations nationwide in using them as a slogan. Those words say it all when it comes to describing what the Community Foundation is about.
A major gift announced just before Christmas 2002 provided a needed shot in the arm for DCCF – and it came from the children of Foundation founders Charlie and Mary Roberts. The three siblings, Doug Roberts, John Roberts, and Virginia Roberts Holt pledged $2.0 million to incept the Charles and Mary Roberts Family Endowment Fund and $500,000 added to the Kishwaukee United Way Fund. “DCCF is the perfect answer to our desire to leave something to our hometown roots,” Doug explained. “DeKalb County has meant a lot to our family, and we know the Foundation will do a great job in managing these funds for generations to come.”
Franklin Township Park District • Genoa Chamber of Commerce • Genoa Lions Club • Genoa Main Street, Inc. • Genoa Police Department • Genoa Preschool • Genoa Public Library District • Genoa Township Park District • Genoa-Kingston Davenport Grade School • Genoa-Kingston Education Foundation • Genoa-Kingston Elementary School • Genoa-Kingston Fire Department • Genoa-Kingston High School • Genoa-Kingston Middle School • Genoa-Kingston Rescue Squad • Genoa-Kingston-Visual & Performing • Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois • Greater Kishwaukee Area Concert Band • Greater Kishwaukee Symphonic Band • Growing Place, Inc • Gurler Heritage Association • Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County • Hand in Hand-Kingston Community Church • Healing Harps • Helping Hands • Hiawatha High School • Hiawatha Project Greenhouse • Hiawatha School-History Club • Hinckley Community Building • Hinckley Fire Protection District • Hinckley Historical Society • Hinckley Parks and Recreation • Hinckley Public Library District • Hinckley-Big Rock Baseball/Softball • Hinckley-Big Rock Golf Association • Hinckley-Big Rock High School • Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School • Hope Haven • Housing Authority of DeKalb County • Huskie Track Club • Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation • Illinois Council on Economic Education • Immanuel Lutheran Church • Indian Creek Middle School • Indian Creek Recreation • Indian Creek Summer Recreation • Indian Valley Community Band, Inc. • Indian Valley Theatre • Indian Valley Vocational Center • Jefferson Elementary School PTA • Joiner History Room • Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Hist • Just Make It Happen • Kids’ Klub of Leland United Methodist Church • Kingston Community Sharing Library • Kingston Law Enforcement Explorer • Kingston Police Department • Kingston Township Park District • Kirkland Chamber of Commerce • Kirkland Community Fire & Rescue • Kirkland Girls Softball •
Reaching New Heights
2003-2007 C o m m u n i t y W o r k s I n i t i a t i v e S u pp o r t s a T h r i v i n g C o m m u n i t y Before developing its CommunityWorks Impact Plan Board members and staff gathered input from community members attending six town meetings around the county.
In 2003, DCCF accepted a challenge from Grand Victoria Foundation to participate in a statewide initiative designed to enhance the Foundation’s local community leadership role by addressing issues in DeKalb County concerning child care, workforce development, and land use. Vice-president Bill Mullins and fellow board members chairing the three committees – Micki Chulick (Child Care), Al Golden (Land Use) and Evelina Cichy (Workforce Development), led the development of the CommunityWorks Vision for a Thriving Community impact plan. By 2011, the CommunityWorks initiative generated $3.7 million in support from Grand Victoria Foundation which included a dollar for dollar match, leveraging $1,045,547 from generous community donors. These donations launched 20 named CommunityWorks Endowment Funds and 13 named DCCF Administrative Endowment Funds. Administrative Endowment Funds support the Foundation’s community engagement activities and currently provide about 20% of revenue to its operation budget. The impact plan has strategically directed over $165,000 in grants from CommunityWorks endowment funds since 2007. As a result, area child care centers improved their overall effectiveness, middle school youth and teachers engaged in building soft skills and municipalities updated their storm water ordinances while the county launched watershed planning.
CommunityWorks Child Care Initiative Goal: To increase the quality, availability and affordability of child care in DeKalb County while increasing the support of the business community. CommunityWorks funding supported a Quality Rating System (QRS) Specialist who works with classroom teachers to create a quality learning environment for young children.
CommunityWorks Workforce Development Initiative Goal:
To enhance soft skills education for DeKalb County middle school and high school students, while working to improve employer participation in youth workforce preparation. Soft skills complement hard skills which are the occupational requirements of a job and many other activities.
2007 National S e a l o f App r o v a l
CommunityWorks Land Use Initiative Goal: To provide reliable tools and resources that DeKalb County decision makers use to inform land use decisions that maintain, manage and protect water resources through a watershed approach. Local high school students work with NIU Environmental Studies graduate students and professors and Project Consulting Engineers in a Watershed Planning Project made possible by a grant from endowment funds matched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The DCCF Board and staff enhanced their commitment to legal, ethical, and effective practices by earning National Standards certification from the Council on Foundations, which is maintained to this day.This certification, unique to Community Foundations, is the only one of its kind for any foundation in the United States.
Charlie Roberts and Richard Ryan had a long-standing friendship and business relationship at DEKALB AgResearch and successor company, DEKALB Genetics. Charlie was a strong believer in community stewardship, and following his death in 2005, Rich created the Community Stewardship Fund in Memory of Charles C. Roberts. This unrestricted fund provides approximately $20,000 every year to meet community needs throughout DeKalb County. Additional local contributions will grow this important fund and continue Rich’s goal of honoring Charlie for his humble stewardship.
Kirkland Lions Club • Kirkland Police Department • Kirkland Public Library • Kishwaukee Children’s Chorus • Kishwaukee College Departments • Kishwaukee Education Consortium • Kishwaukee Family YMCA • Kishwaukee Health System • Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club • Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association • Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra • Kishwaukee United Way • Kishwaukee Valley Habitat for Humanity • Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society • Land O’Lakes Elementary School • Land O’Lakes Fish & Game Club • League of Finnish-American Society • Lee Community Fire Protection District • Leland School District • LGBT Community Center • Little Lambs Preschool-Immanuel Lutheran Church • Live Healthy DeKalb County • Love, Inc (Love in the Name of Christ) • Malta After School Program • Malta Education Foundation • Malta Fire Department • Malta Historical & Genealogical Society • Malta Lions Club • Malta Police Department • Malta Summer Youth Program • Malta Township Library • Mandy’s Afterschool Place • Maple Park & Countryside Fire Protection District • Maple Park Public Library • Marie Louise Olmstead Memorial Museum • Midwest Museum of Natural History • Milestone Dental Clinic • Mother’s Day Out • N.I.C.E.-Neighbors in Christ Ecumenical Food Pantry • National Association for Down Syndrome • Natural Land Institute • Natural Resources Education Consortium • Nehring Center Gallery • Neighbors’ House • Network of Nations, Inc. • New Hope M.B.C. Academy • Newman Catholic Student Center • Nguzo Saba Men’s Club of DeKalb • North Central Narcotics Task Force • North Elementary • North Grove School Association • Northern Illinois Children’s Chorus • Northern Illinois Food Bank • Northern Illinois University - 21 Departments • Northern Public Radio • Northern Star • Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center • Oaken Acres Wildlife Center • Open Closet-Seventh-Day Adventist • Open Door Rehabilitation Center • Open Hands Preschool • Opportunity House, Inc. • Our
I n s p i r i n g
Pa r t n e r s h i p s
2008-2011
Ever since its creation, DCCF sought opportunities to promote and support collaboration among nonprofits and to enhance their individual and collective capacity. After spending much of 2011 planning with community partners, the DCCF Board formalized its commitment to local nonprofit capacity building by allocating $12,000 in 2012 to help launch and coordinate the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP). The Board reauthorized its financial support and commitment in 2013. DCNP was created out of a dedicated consortium of established local nonprofit organizations and resource providers who support them.
With the encouragement and leadership of DCCF Board President Brad Brown, Board Member Mariam Wassmann, and Program Director Deanna Cada, 2008 marked the formation of our Youth Advisory Committee, soon renamed to Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP).
DCNP is a membership-based network of partners serving DeKalb County who are supportive of the efforts of the nonprofit community. DCNP is designed to communicate, coordinate, and create programs and initiatives that raise the level of nonprofit program and organizational effectiveness and efficiency in fulfilling their individual and collective mission of making DeKalb County a great place to live, work and raise families. DCNP member benefits include free and discounted workshops, access to discounts from participating local venders, and leveraging support and services.
High school youth from across the county learn the impact of philanthropy on a community and how to analyze real grant applications. Directed by the youth, YEP instills valuable leadership skills by teaching youth to share their opinions, value differences, and play an active role in the community. The youth executive committee members lead their peers through an allocation process to distribute approximately $10,000 each year to local nonprofits. All YEP grants support projects that must build Developmental AssetsTM (Search Institute) in DeKalb County youth, many of which are led by youth. Youth interested in becoming part of YEP join in September and attend monthly meetings through May. Members attend at least one outreach volunteer event with other YEP youth and visit nonprofit grant applicants at a site visit in the spring.
SINCE ITS LAUNCH , D CN P ACCOM P LISHMENTS INCLU D E :
The DeKalb County Youth Grantmakers’ Fund is accepting donations to build this program and increase its impact on youth in the community.
• Created a 12-member steering committee composed of nonprofit agencies and resource providers meeting at least monthly
Check out the YEP Website,
• Secured a $20,000 grant from the Douglas C. & Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation to launch and promote DCNP
dekalbccf.org/YEP.html for more information about the YEP initiative.
• Established the DCNP Philanthropy Center at DeKalb Public Library
During orientation in 2011, members spell out their “YEP” enthusiasm
Where mission meets opportunity
The 2013-14 Executive Committee from top left clockwise: Michael Hermes, Grants Chair; Maddie Suter, Outreach Chair; Alexa Farris, Chair; Maddie White, Vice Chair; Moriah Stice, Secretary.
• Co-sponsored monthly nonprofit events, including Nonprofit Day attended by 300+ administrators and staff, board members and supporters of the nonprofit community • Welcomed 38 inaugural DCNP members providing DCNP with over $9,000 in supporting memberships
dekalbcountypartners.org
Sharing Pantry • Paw Paw Community Fire Protection • Paw Paw Township • Paw Paw Township Park District • Pay It Forward House • Pine Acres Care Center-Lifelink • Prairie Echoes Chorus • Prairie International Choral Festival • RAMP-Regional Access & Mobilization Project • Renew DeKalb • Rescue Release and Restore • Rochelle Park District • Rock Christian Church • Rock River Valley Blood Center • Rockford Diocese/Filipino Outreach • Safe Passage, Inc. • Salvation Army • Sandwich Boys Baseball • Sandwich Community Fire Protection • Sandwich District Library • Sandwich Fair Association, Inc. • Sandwich Fire Protection District • Sandwich Freedom Days Association, • Sandwich Girls Softball Associatio • Sandwich Hispanic Coalition • Sandwich Historical Society • Sandwich Opera House • Sandwich Park District • Sandwich Rotary Club • Sandwich Schoo-Herman Dummer • Sandwich School-High School • Sandwich School-Lynn Haskin Elementary • Sandwich School-Middle School • Sandwich SchoolPrairie View • Sandwich School-Woodbury • Sandwich T-ball Association • Sandwich Township Public Library • Sandwich/Somonauk Rotary Club • Sense-Able Child Care, Inc. • Seventh-Day Adventist Church • Shabbona Community Fire Department • Shabbona Elementary Parents Club • Shabbona Fireworks NFP • Shabbona Lake State Park • Shabbona Lions Club • Shabbona Sportsman’s Club • ShabbonaLee-Rollo Historical Museum • Shelters for Healthy Environments • Shriners Hospitals for Children • Single Parent Network • Society of St. Vincent de Paul • Somonauk Christian School • Somonauk Community Improvement • Somonauk Education Boosters • Somonauk Education Foundation • Somonauk Fire Protection District • Somonauk Historic Preservation Committee • Somonauk Police Department • Somonauk Public Library District • Somonauk School District #432 • Somonauk Summer Fest Committee • Somonauk Summer Recreation • Squaw Grove Public Library • St. Mary School-
O u r F o u n d ati o n f o r t h e F u t u r e
2012-Present
A l l A b oa r d ! Sycamore’s Historic Depot Comes Alive! In November 2011, the DCCF took title to the historic Sycamore Train Depot, to serve as its permanent home. The skill and dedication of Sharp Architects, Inc.; Swedberg and Associates, Inc; and Russ Smith Construction, LLC resulted in a solid and elegant finished building. The DCCF officially began operating out of the Depot in October of 2012. This new home represents a significant milestone for the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Operating out of a historically significant building that reflects the Spirit of Philanthropy in DeKalb County, the Board and Staff recommit to the Foundation’s mission and vision. As a catalyst to further grow the practice and effectiveness of p h i l a n t h r o p y i n D e K a l b C o u n t y, t h e Depot location better positions the D CCF t o :
• Serve additional donors • Increase grantmaking to nonprofit and community organizations throughout the County • Convene and offer leadership resources around important community issues Clint Cargile, a local author, is writing a book about the history of the Depot and the railroad’s significance to Sycamore and the region. His book will be available late 2013. His research has been a great addition to the story of the Depot as we write a new chapter together. Special thanks go to Auto Meter Products, Inc., the City of Sycamore, and Doug and Lynn Roberts for having the vision and commitment to give new life to the Depot.
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Finds a Permanent Home Farny R. Wurlitzer, circa 1950
The slogan for the Wurlitzer Company at one time was, “the name that means music to millions.” The Company began in the United States in 1856 and was primarily known for its production of premier pianos and organs – both pipe and electric. At one time Wurlitzer was the largest musical instrument company in the U.S. Perhaps you have a Wurlitzer piano in your home? The company owned retail music stores in most major cities from the 1930’s through the 1980’s, with primary manufacturing locations in DeKalb, IL; North Tonawanda, NY; Cincinnati, OH; and West Germany. Although the company went out of business in the mid-1980’s, the Wurlitzer name has endured and is currently owned by the Gibson Guitar Company. The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation was established in the 1940’s by Farny and his wife Grace. Farny, who died in the early 1970’s, was the last family member involved with the company. The Foundation began with a mission and focus of providing financial assistance to further music education and performance. In 2011, they began the Board of Directors of the Wurlitzer Foundation consists of five long-standing members. In 2011 they began exploring ways to maintain the Foundation’s existence in perpetuity. This led to dialogue with the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the perfect solution. At the end of 2012, the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation converted its operations to a Donor Advised Fund within the Community Foundation. The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund’s creation constituted a 15% increase in the Community Foundation’s total assets and will add about 25% to its annual grant and fund distribution total. Since Charlie and Mary Roberts began the DeKalb County Community Foundation in 1993, this is the single largest gift in the Foundation’s history. The Community Foundation is honored to keep the Wurlitzer name alive in DeKalb County by working with the Fund’s Board of Advisors to continue to “mean music to millions” through its grant support of projects that are consistent with its original mission.
At a Glance Value of Assets (as of 9/30/13): $41.9 million Number of separate charitable funds: 270 Grants and distributions awarded in 2013 to date: $1,155,402
DeKalb • St. Mary School-Sycamore • St. Mary’s Parish-DeKalb • St. Mary’s Parish-Sycamore • St. Peter’s Episcopal Church • Stage Coach Players • Strawberry Patch Christian Preschool • Suicide Prevention Services • SUMC-Sycamore United Methodist Food Pantry • Sycamore Art Council • Sycamore Chamber of Commerce • Sycamore Child Care, Inc • Sycamore Citizens’ Advisory Committee • Sycamore Education Foundation • Sycamore FFA Alumni Association • Sycamore Film Festival • Sycamore Fire Fighters Preservation • Sycamore Historical Society & Museum • Sycamore History Museum • Sycamore Music Boosters • Sycamore Park District • Sycamore Public Library • Sycamore School-High School • Sycamore School-Middle School • Sycamore School-South Prairie Elementary • Sycamore United Fund • Sycamore Veterans Memorial Home As • Sycamore Youth Baseball League • TAILS Humane Society • The Dee Palmer Statue Committee • The Growing Place, Inc • The Rock Christian Church • The Salvation Army • The Salvation Army Day Care Center • The Shoresh Foundation • TriCounty Community Health Center • Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool • Two Rivers Head Start Agency • Tyler Elementary School PTO • Unitarian Universalist Church • United Church Daycare & Pre-School • United Church of Christ of Shabbona • United Church of Christ Preschool • United Methodist Churches • University of Illinois Extension • Valley West Community Hospital • Viet Now DeKalb County Chapter • Village of Kingston • Village of Kirkland • Village of Malta • Village of Maple Park • Village of Shabbona • Village of Somonauk • Village of Waterman • Visiting Nurse Association • Voluntary Action Center • W.A.T.E.R. - Kishwaukee River Watershed • Walcamp Outdoor Ministries • Waterman American Legion Post #654 • Waterman Area Heritage Society • Waterman Fire Protection District • Waterman Lions Club, Inc. • Waterman Police Department • Waterman Summer Recreation • We Care Pregnancy Center • Youth Outlook
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Board of Advisors – Jane Ovitz, Frank Merrill, Harry Evans, George Buck (an Arts & Culture Consultant to the DCCF), and Nancy Clemetsen
B OA R D o f D I R E C T O R S • 2 0 1 3
Our 21-member volunteer Board of Directors is geographically-representative of DeKalb County.
…a gathering place for dialogue, learning, and solutions…
Marcy Billington Kingston
Larry D. Bolles DeKalb
Kevin Buick Sycamore
Amie Carey Hinckley
Micki Chulick DeKalb
Tim Dunlop DeKalb
Patricia Foster Shabbona
Kevin Fuss DeKalb
Kristina Garcia Sycamore
Marcia Goodrich DeKalb
Hold your next event in The Freight Room and enjoy the historic surroundings in a comfortable setting. For groups up to 100, The Freight Room provides audio/visual support, internet (wifi) access, and serving area for refreshments.
Lana Haines Kingston
Alethia Hummel Sandwich
Donna Larson Vice-President Sycamore
Dean Lundeen Somonauk
Kevin McArtor Malta
Find ‘The Freight Room Policy and Agreement Form’ at dekalbccf.org.
Charles McCormick Sycamore
Frank Roberts Treasurer, DeKalb
Penny Rosenow DeKalb
Tim Suter President, DeKalb
The Freight Room is available to nonprofits, community groups, and businesses to rent for meetings, trainings, workshops, and fundraising events.
What Gives
Contact Barb King barb@dekalbccf.org or (815) 748-5383 to learn more and book an event.
Beth White Waterman
Staff Community Foundation staff are here to serve the community by partnering with donors, leaders, and organizations to build strong communities throughout DeKalb County.
Donna Turner Kirkland
Monthly E-Newsletter
‘What Gives’ is our e-newsletter that highlights the Endowments & Donor Services, Stewardship, Grantmaking, and Community Initiatives of the Community Foundation. To stay up to date on inspiring philanthropy in DeKalb County through your Community Foundation, sign up through our website dekalbccf.org.
Dan Templin Executive Director
Barb King Administrative Manager
Becky Zantout Grants & Community Initiatives Manager
Anita Zurbrugg Program Director
DeKalb County Community Foundation 475 DeKalb Avenue • Sycamore, IL 60178 (815) 748-5383 • (815) 748-5873 fax • dekalbccf.org
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