Contact: Sarah Flashing-Clow, Community Relations Director
Phone: (815) 801-3035
Email: sarah@forNWIL.org
[FREEPORT, IL – June 29, 2023] – The Freeport Community Foundation is now The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, the organization announced Wednesday, June 28 at its Bridges to the Future Grants Reception at The Freeport Club.
“This new name reflects our ongoing work to strengthen communities in Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll counties—areas The Foundation has been serving for nearly 50 years,” stated CEO, Michelle DeHaven-Quast. “While this new name better identifies the region we serve, the Foundation’s commitments have not changed. We wanted to eliminate confusion and ensure this evolution of our name was inclusive of our entire service area.”
The new name is accompanied by a revised logo and updated website to allow stronger branding opportunities.
Board President Kim Rampenthal stated, “The conversation about our identity began at the board level prior to the pandemic. This new name aligns with our mission—to empower nonprofits to develop solutions that help northwest Illinois communities thrive.”
Awards presented at the Bridges to the Future Grants Reception to nonprofit organizations from across northwest Illinois totaled $152,531.00 with $89,761 to organizations serving Stephenson county, $32,997 to organizations serving Jo Daviess county, and $29,773 to organizations serving Carroll county. These grants were selected as part of the 2023 Marvin ∙ Wilson Community Needs Grant cycle and were funded by the Matt Marvin Community Needs Unrestricted Fund and the Craig Wilson Trust. Recipients and projects include:
Stephenson County Fire Chief’s Association
Respiratory Fit Test Machine – $11,314.00
Stephenson County
JDLF Gives
Farm to Food Pantry – $10,000.00
Jo Daviess County
Riverview Center
Education Series on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Sex Trafficking – $5,500.00
Jo Daviess & Carroll Counties
Voices of Stephenson County
Help Voices Settle In – $5,000.00
Stephenson County
Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center
Veterinary Equipment – $4,000.00
Stephenson County
Rolling Hills Progress Center
Developmental Training Expansion – $27,373.00
All Counties
Friends of Canyon Camp
Two Birds. One Stone. – $2,500.00
Jo Daviess County
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Visitor Counter System – $6,497.00
Jo Daviess County
Fulton/Thomson Food Pantry, Inc
Meet the Milk Needs – $2,400.00
Carroll County
Rebuilding Together Stephenson County, Inc.
On-Site Enclosed Trailer Storage for Rebuilding Homes – $11,885.00
Stephenson County
Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America
Discover Your Future 2023 – $12,616.00
Stephenson County
German Valley Fire Protection District
Portable Radios – $8,446.00
Stephenson County
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Grace Meal – $8,500.00
All Counties
Farmworkers & Landscapers Advocacy Program
Community Outreach – $5,000.00
Jo Daviess/Carroll Counties
Friends Forever Humane Society
Spay/Neuter Assistance – $3000.00
Stephenson County
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Mobile Market Program – $15,000.00
Stephenson County
Durand Area Food Pantry
Pantry Food & Supplies – $5,000.00
Stephenson County
Jo Daviess County Longbeards
JAKES Day – $3,500.00
Jo Daviess County
Additionally, $5000 will be granted to nonprofit organizations participating in this summer’s Eats and Beats event in Freeport, organized by Malcolm Eaton Enterprises.
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, founded in 1975, is a regional philanthropic organization guided by community leaders who are dedicated to empowering nonprofits to develop solutions that help northwest Illinois communities thrive. To learn more about The Foundation and opportunities to support important causes throughout northwest Illinois, visit www.forNWIL.org or call (815) 801-3035.
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