Rural Vitality

DCEDC has formed the Rural Vitality Committee to address the needs of DeKalb County’s rural communities. The committee is comprised of countywide organizations invested in promoting community development and livability.

The expressed mission of the DeKalb County Rural Vitality Committee is to work with businesses, public officials, and community leaders to strengthen the economic vitality and appeal of rural DeKalb County. The committee will foster regional collaboration, identify resources, guide projects or plans, and empower local participation in community development.

These efforts will generate opportunities for each community to grow local capacity to develop, manage, and sustain a strong economic base, improve livability, and enhance its physical assets, particularly downtown.

This page is designed to share news, updates, and resources you and your community can use. Stay tuned for more information to come!

Funding Opportunities

DCCF Grant Opportunities

IDNR State Historic Preservation Office Financial Incentives

Grants from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects in small towns (10,000 people or less). Grants from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. https://savingplaces.org/hart-family-fund

Nicor Pillars of Giving Grants: https://www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/charitable-giving/pillars-of-giving.html