The Foundation for Northwest Illinois

Gatsby Gala: March 22, 2025

The Gatsby Gala is an annual fundraising event, celebrating vital work being done in support of women and girls.
Proceeds support the Jane Addams Legacy Fund, a source of granting available to Northwest Illinois nonprofit organizations.
More info is also available at Gatsby-Gala.org.

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2025 Grant Cycle Now Open

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is interested in funding initiatives that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive to current and emerging needs of the communities of Stephenson, Carroll and Jo Daviess counties in Northwest Illinois. Click the link to read the granting guidelines and proceed to the Letter of Interest.

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Jananne “JR” Schaffner, 2025 Recipient of the Jane Addams Legacy Award

Mar 11, 2025

At the Gatsby Gala, The Foundation honors local women who, through visionary thinking, leadership, and philanthropy, have made a difference in the lives of others. Like Jane Addams, the recipient of the Jane Addams Legacy Award is a shining example of moral courage,...

Foundations on the Hill

Mar 10, 2025

It was recently my honor to represent Northwest Illinois as one of 370 foundation and nonprofit delegates, including 25 from Illinois, recently at Foundations on the Hill 2025 (#FOTH2025). While there, I participated in meetings with Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick...

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Announces 2025 Gala Co-Chairs

Jan 2, 2025

FREEPORT, IL (January 2, 2025) — The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is pleased to announce that local businesswoman Doreen O'Brien of Big O's on the Hollow and attorney Bridget Trainor of Elliott, Trainor & Weller, P.C., are serving as the 2025 Gatsby Gala...

Gatsby Gala | March 22, 2025

Step back in time for a glitzy Gatsby Gala and a 1920’s Speakeasy! Vintage attire encouraged! Enjoy cocktails, food, live music, and more at this memorable event!

Gatsby Gala proceeds benefit The Foundation for Northwest Illinois’ Jane Addams Legacy Fund which provides support to nonprofit organizations working to elevate and empower women in Northwest Illinois.

Register to Attend!

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Individuals & Families

The Foundation empowers our clients to deepen their philanthropic impact through personalized giving vehicles like donor designated funds, donor advised funds, memorials, and more.

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Professional Advisors

The Foundation helps professional advisors connect their clients to locally focused philanthropic opportunities that really make a difference. With extensive knowledge of community needs and giving options, we enable you to better serve your clients by helping them achieve their charitable goals.

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Nonprofits

The Foundation helps nonprofits carry out their work by awarding grants, forging community partnerships and educating community philanthropists and partners about the organizations most aligned with their charitable interests.

Michelle DeHaven-Quast, CEO

Michelle DeHaven-Quast is an executive leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As CEO, she leads the Freeport Community Foundation in quest of fulfilling its mission, inspiring donors and empowering dommunity partners for a stronger Northwest Illinois. Read more…

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Our Mission: Inspiring Donors and Empowering Community Partners for a Stronger Northwest Illinois.