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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...

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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

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The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Activates “Lena Strong Community Fund” to Aid Storm Recovery; Announces $50,000 Matching Opportunity

by FNWIL | Apr 18, 2026 | Community Impact, Lena Strong Community Fund, Neighbots Helping Neighbots

At this time of crisis and chaos for our neighbors in the Lena area, following the storms that ripped through our region Friday afternoon, we at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois want our neighbors to know, we are here for you.

We have activated the Lena Strong Community Fund. All funds donated will be directly distributed to the nonprofits lending aid during this time of crisis. Additionally, The Foundation pledges to match these funds, dollar-to-dollar, up to $50,000.

Donations can be made at or mailed to:

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
C/O Lena Strong Community Fund
1525 S. Forest Rd., Suite 200
Freeport, IL 61032

or online at https://fornwil.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1231

Questions? Contact our office at info@fornwil.org or (815) 801-3035.

Community Foundations are established on the concept of neighbor helping neighbor, and there is never a time when neighbors helping neighbors is more applicable than when disaster strikes. This grassroots response is immediate and profoundly human.

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is here for you, Lena. You are our neighbors, and part of our Northwest Illinois family. We’ve got you, today, tomorrow, forever. We’re here for good.