Community Development | The Foundation for Northwest Illinois

CORE SERVICES | The Foundation’s tailored services are designed to address your most critical operational and strategic challenges, providing you with the expertise, tools, and confidence to thrive. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy, empower your board, or secure essential funding, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn More…

NONPROFIT BUSINESS KIT | This Nonprofit Business Kit provides essential resources to develop actionable business plans and long-term strategic roadmaps. It empowers organization leaders to define their mission, align resources, and drive sustainable impact through structured planning and strategic thinking. Learn more…

RESOURCE LIBRARY | We gather and promote useful organizations, publications, and websites to help you and your nonprofit succeed. Although the resources provided in this section are valuable and reliable, the content is provided for informational purposes and is not a substitute for expert legal, tax, or other professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Learn more…

START HERE | Learn more about our granting program at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois. Learn More…

GRANT GUIDELINES | The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is particularly interested in funding initiatives that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive to current and emerging needs of the community. We fund projects and programs that create critical impact as related to our organizational values and interconnected priorities.

PUBLICITY GUIDELINES | Grant recipients agree to publicize their grant. Your innovative work deserves recognition, and we encourage you to announce your grant through the media, social media, your own publications, and through your professional affiliations.

GRANT WRITING TIPS | Learn the basics about grant writing!

JANE ADDAMS CENTER | The Jane Addams Center, a core pillar of The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, serves as a hub for regional empowerment by driving initiatives in civic health and philanthropic granting. Inspired by the legacy of social reformer Jane Addams, the Center strengthens communities across Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties by equipping local leaders and funding targeted solutions. Learn More…

CIVIC HEALTH | The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is actively strengthening regional civic health by fostering equitable participation, community trust, and grassroots leadership across Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. Originally established in 1975, the organization rebranded in 2023 to reflect its broader regional reach. Today, the foundation looks at community health through a holistic lens, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping their communities. Learn more…

EAST of WEST INITIATIVES | East of West Initiatives is a comprehensive community development initiative centered in the very heart of our city. This is more than a neighborhood project. It is a homecoming to the ground where our community was founded—the bedrock upon which our collective identity was built, and the site from which our community’s rebirth begins. Read more…

EMERGING LEADERSHIP NETWORK | ELN is a group committed to driving community impact through engagement with community-based organizations and local leadership. ELN members raise awareness in their personal and professional circles, make philanthropic commitments, and serve as ambassadors for The Foundation for Northwest Illinois. Read more…

JANE ADDAMS LEGACY FUND | The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is actively strengthening regional civic health by fostering equitable participation, community trust, and grassroots leadership across Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. Originally established in 1975, the organization rebranded in 2023 to reflect its broader regional reach. Today, the foundation looks at community health through a holistic lens, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping their communities. Learn more…

THE JANE CLUB | When you give to the Jane Addams Legacy Fund at any level, you become a member of The Jane Club. As a member, you are invited to participate in educational and social events aimed at both supporting and celebrating women and children in Northwest Illinois. Learn more…

JANE ADDAMS LEGACY AWARD | An annual celebration that honors outstanding local women who mirror Jane Addams’ spirit of moral courage and self-sacrifice. The award recognizes visionary thinkers and leaders who have made a profound, lasting difference in the lives of others across Northwest Illinois. Learn More…

ABOUT US | The Foundation for Northwest Illinois helps area residents and organizations realize their unique charitable goals, provide impactful support to our community’s nonprofits, and foster key partnerships to address critical issues affecting Northwest Illinois.

The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Gifts made to the Foundation qualify for the maximum allowable deductions for income and estate tax purposes. We encourage the full participation of your financial planner, attorney, accountant and/or insurance representative to understand your goals and the many options available through the Foundation. Learn More…

BOARD OF DIRECTORS | The Board of Directors for The Foundation for Northwest Illinois serves as the strategic heart of the organization, providing the essential leadership and governance needed to foster a flourishing and resilient community. Composed of dedicated leaders from across the region, the board is committed to inspiring donors and empowering community partners to address the most vital needs in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson counties. Through expert stewardship and a shared vision of “Stronger, Together,” these members ensure that every charitable gift creates a lasting legacy of growth and well-being for all residents.. Learn more…

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

Sarah Flashing Clow | Sarah Flashing-Clow serves The Foundation for Northwest Illinois as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Her primary responsibility is to carry out the Foundation’s marketing & communications objectives by developing and implementing strategies that elevate awareness of the Foundation and its engagement in northwest Illinois. Read more…

Jill Freese | Jill Freese serves as Director of Operations at The Foundation of Northwest Illinois. Jill has deep connections to our region, having lived in Stockton for nearly 30 years. She is happily married and has three wonderful children and two grandchildren in Jo Daviess County. Her dedication to her community is evident through my ongoing role as the Secretary to the Stockton Chamber of Commerce. Read more…

Whether you have questions about starting a fund, applying for a grant, or exploring ways to give back to your community, our team is here to guide you. At The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, we believe that every meaningful change begins with a simple conversation. Please reach out to us directly to learn more about how we can work together to strengthen our region. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you turn your philanthropic vision into a lasting community impact. Contact Us

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois (Main Office)
1525 S. Forest Rd., Suite 200, Freeport, IL 61032 Info@fornwil.org

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois (Galena Office)
800 Spring St., Galena, IL 61032 Info@fornwil.org

Click here for other ways to reach our office.

Welcome to the Media Center for The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, your primary resource for stories on regional philanthropy and community impact. We are dedicated to inspiring donors and empowering community partners to build a stronger, more flourishing Northwest Illinois through strategic grantmaking and collaborative leadership. Whether you are looking for press releases, high-resolution logos, or expert commentary on local nonprofit trends, our team is here to provide the insights you need. For all media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Sarah Flashing-Clow, Community Relations Director, at sarah@fornwil.org. Media Center.

New “Rural Vitality” Initiative Creates Permanent Community Funds and a $25k Match for 16 Northwest Illinois Towns

New “Rural Vitality” Initiative Creates Permanent Community Funds and a $25k Match for 16 Northwest Illinois Towns

Oct 13, 2026

FREEPORT, IL (October 13, 2026) — Northwest Illinois is standing at a critical economic crossroads. Over the next decade, an estimated $2.92 billion in generational wealth is expected to change hands across Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. Because many...

Bridging Differences

Bridging Differences

Jul 7, 2026

by MIchelle DeHaven Quast Increasingly, conversations in the Foundation industry (community, private, and corporate-based) are revolving around the intersection philanthropy, civic health, and economic mobility and growth. Why, you ask? Because, along with partners...

The 2026 Joining Fair: Strengthening Our Community

The 2026 Joining Fair: Strengthening Our Community

Jul 7, 2026

At the heart of a thriving community is the willingness of its residents to show up for one another. Hosted by the Jane Addams Center at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, the 2026 Joining Fair is a celebration of that exact spirit. Jane Addams built her legacy on...

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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.

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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 community 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.

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