DuPage County, IL – The DuPage Foundation has awarded $100,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits as part of the inaugural cycle of its Capacity Building Grant Program. This initiative, launched last fall, is designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their internal operations and promote long-term sustainability.
The grants will support a variety of enhancements, including technology upgrades, donor engagement strategies, marketing efforts, and public relations initiatives. By focusing on operational improvements, the program aims to create a lasting impact on the nonprofit sector in DuPage County.
“We’re opening the door for nonprofits across DuPage County to receive funds that are otherwise inaccessible,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “By helping expand an organization’s capacity to fundraise, these grants create a domino effect that in turn provides more programs for the community.”
The response to the inaugural grant cycle exceeded expectations, with more than 40 applications submitted. As the Foundation prepares for the second grant cycle this fall, it plans to refine the program’s focus to better address the operational needs of local nonprofits.
The first 10 grant recipients represent a diverse array of community-focused organizations, including arts, education, health services, and food assistance programs. The selected nonprofits are:
• Anima – Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus
• Bridge Communities, Inc.
• BrightSide Theatre
• Candor Health Education
• DuPagePads
• Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network
• Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry
• Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center
• NAMI DuPage
• The GardenWorks Project
Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in serving the residents of DuPage County, and with the support of the DuPage Foundation, they will be better equipped to continue their missions.
For more information about the Capacity Building Grant Program and upcoming grant opportunities, visit dupagefoundation.org.
