Media Press Kit

Mission Statement

Inspiring donors and empowering community partners for a stronger Northwest Illinois.

Vision Statement

Stronger, Together.

we envision a flourishing Northwest Illinois defined by a culture of generosity with healthy, impact-driven nonprofit organizations and collaborative relationships built on a foundation of trust and a desire to elevate our region for the common good.

History

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois was originally established as Freeport Community Trust on January 20, 1975, by leadership of the Freeport Community Chest (now United Way of Northwest Illinois).  The first Chairman of the Board was Robert J. Schmelzle. 

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois was created in the belief and conviction that many gifts pooled into one fund, under the guidance of a knowledgeable group devoted to the charitable, educational, and physical advancement of the area, as a whole, can do good in the generations to come toward making a better community with more abundant opportunities for all its people.

In 1994, Matthew A. Marvin donated approximately $1 million to the Freeport Community Trust.  He contributed an additional $1 million dollars in 2003.

In 1998, the Board voted to change the name from the Freeport Community Trust to Freeport Community Foundation.

In 2016, the Foundation was the recipient of the assets of the Hildreth Beneficial Trust.  In addition, the Foundation became the beneficiary of the annual proceeds of the Craig Wilson Irrevocable Trust.  In 2018, the Foundation became the recipient of the Jeannette Lloyd Student Scholarship Fund (Trust).    In 2020 the A. L. Riche Charitable Trust transferred its assets to FCF.

In 2023, the evolution of the organization was recognized by the Board of Directors and was renamed The Foundation for Northwest Illinois.

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois enhances our communities by working with individuals, businesses and organizations to establish charitable funds. Grants from these funds support charitable groups and programs working to improve the quality of life in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties.  With the support  of our philanthropic partners, The Foundation for Northwest Illinois supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions in fields such as the environment, science and technology, arts, civic engagement, education, health and human services, and other areas of need as diverse as the region.

Impact

• Total dollars granted (1975 – Spring 2022): $3,637,767.64
• 891 grants/scholarships (9 scholarships) awarded.
• Over 100 charitable organizations positively impacted.