Township approves three nonprofit grants, tables two pending more information

The DeKalb Township Board of Trustees voted on Jan. 27 to award three COID (community) grant applications and to table two applications pending additional information.

The board approved funding for Rooted for Good (formerly DeKalb County Community Gardens) to create children's hygiene packages distributed at mobile food pantries. The application did not specify an exact count of packages; trustees asked the organization to provide an itemized cost estimate showing where and how products will be purchased and to include feminine hygiene items in the bundles.

Family Service Agency sought $5,000 for a post-high-school support program for DeKalb High School youth who have completed a youth diversion program. The board approved a reduced award of $2,500 after reviewing the applicant's budget and noting other funding sources, including a META community grant and public contributions.

The 3 Fires Council proposed an on-site scouting program at Gideon Court Apartments to reduce transportation and financial barriers for residents. The board approved the full requested amount of $4,875 to cover registration, uniforms, recognition items, patches and program supplies.

Two applications'from Love Inc. and the Kishwaukee YMCA'were tabled for additional information. Trustees and the committee asked for more detail on budgets and program scope and said the COID committee will bring answers to the next committee meeting in February before forwarding recommendations back to the board.

A roll-call vote on the set of awards recorded Trustee Ken, Trustee McNutt, Trustee Thurman and Supervisor House voting aye; the record shows the motion passed with four ayes and no nays.

Ending: The board instructed staff and the COID committee to collect itemized costs from applicants for any remaining questions and to return recommendations at the next COID meeting in February prior to the board's February meeting.