DeKalb residents are able to donate to local nonprofits today for the first annual Illinois Gives Big event.

Illinois Gives Big is a state-wide fundraising initiative for nonprofits sponsored by Donors Forum, an association of Illinois nonprofit organizations. TAILS Humane Society, DeKalb Public Library and Kishwaukee Family YMCA will be among the more than 600 organizations participating in the initiative this year.

“It’s very exciting, you know,” said Heather Short, TAILS Humane Society development manager. “As a nonprofit, especially a local nonprofit, we rely on the support of our community, and we have that here in DeKalb and we’re really appreciative of it. So, this is just an exciting time to celebrate it.”

TAILS Humane Society

The fundraising goal for Tails Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road, is $2,000, and a private donor will match all donations up to $1,000, Short said. Money raised will go toward housing, feeding and vet care of the animals at the shelter.

“I think it’s just an exciting time to kind of think and reflect on what the holiday season is and the season of giving,” Short said. “It’s a time to celebrate community.”

Go to bit.ly/1ybFzll to donate to Tails Humane Society.

DeKalb Public Library

DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., does not have a particular fundraising goal, but it will use all donated funds for its $25.3 million plan to extend the existing building, Library Director Dee Coover said. The expansion will include more book space, three meeting rooms, book sale space, a tech room and study rooms.

“I think it’s great that Donors Forum is moving the spotlight to Illinois charities,” Coover said. “If people are already giving on Tuesday, why not be a local charity?”

Go to bit.ly/1HTjGvk to donate to DeKalb Public Library.

Kishwaukee Family YMCA

Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 W. Bethany Road in Sycamore, does not have a set fundraising goal, said Heather Eade, Kishwaukee YMCA marketing and communications director; however, the organization will use all donated money to fund programs and scholarships like youth swimming lessons, the Livestrong at the YMCA program for cancer survivors, summer camp scholarships and after-school scholarships.

“It’s great timing because I think that especially when it’s a national initiative that nonprofits can get together and use it for some awareness for their causes,” Eade said.

Go to bit.ly/1ybQOKu to donate to Kishwaukee Family YMCA.