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!

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.

Grant Application Process

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois makes it easy for you to apply for a grant online.
Please read the instructions below before beginning the grant application process.

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Grant applications with all required items must be submitted by 4:00 pm on the deadline date for funding consideration.

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Step 1: Login or Create an account

Visit our online grant application system at the Foundant website to login or to create an account. Please provide one login email address/password to be used for all your submissions. The email addressed used will be for the person ultimately responsible for the grant administration. The Foundation will communicate all pertinent information to this email address.

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Step 2: Complete the online Letter of Interest (LOI)

This form can be saved as a draft, and when you log on again it’s easy to return to that draft, make edits, and submit the LOI form. Each account maintains a record of the application history that you can access at any time.

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Step 3: The Foundation will review your Letter of Interest

Your Letter of Interest is reviewed. During this process, our staff may contact you for more information. The next stage of this process is an invitation to apply. You will be notified after the LOI review is complete.

Continue

The Community Impact Grant Cycle involves the following stages and deadlines:

December 1, 2025: Letter of Interest Form Opens
February 1, 2026: Letter of Interest deadline
February 17, 2026: Invitation to Apply
April 1, 2026: Completed Application deadline
June 1, 2026: Funding decision notification
June 15, 2026: Grant Agreement Deadline
June 25, 2026: Grants Reception