The 2026 Joining Fair: Strengthening Our Community

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 the belief that profound social change begins at the neighborhood level—by bringing diverse groups together to share resources, solve local problems, and elevate their shared quality of life. The Joining Fair brings her enduring philosophy into the present, creating a central hub for residents to discover, connect with, and join the local service clubs, nonprofits, and volunteer groups that do the vital work of community building today.

This event is a direct investment in our region’s civic health. Civic health measures the strength of our community ties—how actively we volunteer, participate in local associations, and trust our neighbors. It is the invisible infrastructure that makes Northwest Illinois a resilient, welcoming, and vibrant place to live. When civic health is high, communities are better equipped to weather crises and celebrate triumphs.

By connecting passionate individuals with organizations that need their talents, the Joining Fair reduces the friction of getting involved. It actively weaves the social fabric that keeps our region strong.

Whether you are looking to serve on a board, dedicate a few hours a month to a cause, or simply learn more about the incredible organizations operating in our backyard, the Joining Fair is your starting point. When we join together, we don’t just help individual organizations succeed—we build a healthier, more connected future for all of Northwest Illinois.