Why You Should Give on May 1

Written By Ellwood House

Not just another day of giving

Is this just a normal day of giving? No! Give DeKalb County is more than just a $1 bill in a donation jar. Your donation means that organizations in DeKalb County can continue functioning and providing their services for our community.  .

Give DeKalb County began in 2015 with the idea of a 24-hour day of giving. Since then, it has grown to one of the largest philanthropic moments for over 100 incredible nonprofits in the county, including the Ellwood House Museum.


So why should you give on May 1?

Services and programs provided by nonprofit organizations are essential for local residents to be engaged with their community and gain educational opportunities. Nonprofit organizations throughout DeKalb County serve many different purposes and cater to different needs. This is why on May 1, you get to choose which organizations you want your donations to go towards.


Why give to the Ellwood House Museum?

The Ellwood House Museum is a historic house museum located in DeKalb, Illinois. We provide free and low cost programming for all ages throughout the community. Some of this programming includes:

  • Free access to our Visitor Center (Open Wednesday-Sunday, 12:30-4:30)

  • Free field trips for 2nd graders twice a year

  • Free adult lunchtime lectures once per month

  • Free children’s programming once per month in the summer

  • Opportunities for students to participate in paid career-building internships

  • Low cost tours and events

Donations also support ongoing restoration efforts across our museum campus and essential collection care. From the restoration of the Ellwood Mansion, to maintenance of the Little House, to eventually opening Harriet’s Museum House, these funds are essential for maintaining our efforts. Did we mention the museum also sits on a public park, so everyone is welcome to take in the sights of the multiple historic structures from dawn till dusk at any time in the year? 

Donations to the Ellwood House Museum will go towards our operating costs, so we can keep the lights on, our materials accessible, and continue our work of engaging visitors with authentic examples of ingenuity and architecture by sharing the Ellwood mansion, gardens, and museum campus.


What’s in it for you?

Other than the pure fact you will have donated to a great cause (of your choosing), you will receive a tax form confirming your donation from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Plus, some organizations may send thank-you letters, give exclusive access to information, or more!


How can you give?

There are many ways to support us, and other nonprofits, during this day of giving:

  • Online: www.GiveDeKalbCounty.org; May 1

    • Midnight to midnight on the giving day by credit card or bank transfer

  • By Mail: April 17 - May 1

    • Complete the enclosed mail-in donation form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s)

    • Write a single check for the total amount payable to “DCCF” and mail with form to:

DeKalb County Community Foundation

475 DeKalb Avenue

Sycamore, IL 60178

  • Donation Drop Off: May 1, 8am - 1pm

    • Bring donation form and donation to the DeKalb County Community Foundation (475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178)

    • Drop off donation, watch the leaderboard on the big screen, and enjoy light refreshments

To learn more, we encourage you to check out the Give DeKalb County 2025 website, https://www.givedekalbcounty.org/ 


Make sure you donate on May 1 for Give DeKalb County’s 24-hour Day of Giving!

Ellwood House
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