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Welcome to the 
Joining Fair
THE FOUNDATION FOR NORTHWEST ILLINOIS
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.
Joining Fair Details
Are you looking for passionate volunteers, dedicated board members, or new members to help grow your mission?
We are excited to bring together service clubs, nonprofits, and local volunteers to strengthen our region’s civic health.
The Joining fair is a prime opportunity to showcase your mission, connect with potential members or volunteers, and collaborate with other community leaders.
By signing up as an exhibitor, you will be provided with a table to showcase your work, promote your cause, and recruit the talent and support your organization needs to thrive.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, August 20
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2 PM
- Location: Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St., Freeport
- Cost: FREE for vendors and visitors
Who Should Apply? We are currently accepting registrations for tables from the following types of groups:
- Nonprofit Organizations (501c3 and c4’s): Seeking volunteers or board members.
- Service Clubs: Looking to expand their volunteer base and general membership. (e.g. Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Quota…)
- Nonpartisan Civic Organizations: Seeking community members ready to engage and make a difference. (League of Women Voters, Pretzel Pickers, NAACP…)
Note on Eligibility: To maintain a neutral and community-focused environment, this event is strictly for nonpartisan groups. Political parties will not be permitted to exhibit.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
