Our Impact in the Community

United Way of DeKalb County continues to focus on strengthening our community.

Each year, United Way of DeKalb County invests in our community through two key grant processes: the ALICE Grant and the Community Impact Grant. These funding opportunities support programs that align with our four focus areas —
  Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Grounded in our core values of collaboration, community impact, compassion, and integrity, these grants help drive lasting local change by supporting initiatives that meet real needs and create meaningful outcomes for DeKalb County residents.

 

Below are the grantees for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. 

Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America serves youth and adults in 11 counties in Northeast Indiana. AWAC provides programs for youth in our communities for ages 5-20 years. It is their mission to serve others by helping instill values in young people and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.  

The Butler Youth Evangelistic Association - Filling Station Youth Center

A non-profit, Christian organization that was established in 1995 to provide a place of fun, fellowship, activities and moral guidance to youth. They provide many physical activities, board games, contests, meals and snacks, prizes, Christian videos & music, Biblical/moral lessons, drug/alcohol/tobacco & violence free literature, and much more and all free to the youth.

Community Impact Grantee

Roots of Giving:

United Way of DeKalb County is proud to announce that Roots of Giving has been awarded a $100,000 Community Impact Grant in support of their ongoing mission to fight food insecurity and create sustainable access to fresh, nutritious food for individuals and families across the region.

 

Roots of Giving serves as a vital resource for those experiencing food insecurity, operating under the belief that food is more than just sustenance—it is a bridge to health, dignity, and connection. The organization’s innovative programs promote self-sufficiency through educational outreach and collaborative food distribution.

 

This funding will support Roots of Giving in expanding its operations, increasing the reach of its mobile food pantry, and continue ongoing community outreach initiatives such as: snack pack program, coat drive, Christmas Pantry & Shop with an Elf, and the annual 5K fundraiser. 

 

About Roots of Giving:

Roots of Giving is a faith-based nonprofit food pantry based in Butler, Indiana.  Roots of Giving is powered by a dedicated Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, local volunteers and community partnerships, working to create a more compassionate and resilient community. 

 

To learn more about Roots of Giving or get involved, please visit rootsofgiving.org.

Kindergarten Readiness Funding

Kindergarten Readiness Programs

DeKalb County Central United School District will hold a Kindergarten Orientation before the 2025-2026 school year.  All incoming kindergarten students will be invited to spend the morning at their elementary school.  Students will meet the kindergarten teachers, explore the kindergarten classrooms, participate in kindergarten readiness activities, and take home supplies and materials to help prepare them for kindergarten success.

DeKalb Eastern School District will host The Summer Kindergarten Program that aims to support families and children in making a smooth transition as they prepare for entering kindergarten in the upcoming school year. This program focuses on fostering essential academic and social skills that are vital for a child's learning journey. The camp will be 14 days for 3 hours per day during  the months of May-June.

Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District will host Kindergarten Countdown Camp at J.E. Ober Elementary School. This program is designed to support and prepare young children for their transition to formal K-12 education.  The program focuses on building foundational skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond. The program will run for four weeks in June for four hours per day and will offer breakfast, lunch, transportation, classroom experiences, and a parent engagement session.