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Freeport Community Foundation
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Announces Historic Board Leadership Transition and New Member Appointments
FREEPORT, IL – February 3, 2026 – The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is proud to announce an historic milestone in its leadership. Samantha Schaible has been named the new President of the Board of Directors, marking the first time in the organization’s history...
2026 Jane Addams Legacy Award Honoree: Pat Norman
Patricia Norman is a distinguished educator, community leader, and tireless advocate for social justice who has dedicated her life to the betterment of her community. As the 2026 recipient of the Jane Addams Legacy Award, Patricia is recognized for her visionary...
Announcing the Beth Winter Family Fund of Northwest Illinois
The Foundation of Northwest Illinois is pleased to announce the establishment of the Beth Winter Family Fund of Northwest Illinois. Through a generous donation from Winter Construction and the family of Beth Winter, nonprofit organizations have increased access to...
Jananne “JR” Schaffner, 2025 Recipient of the Jane Addams Legacy Award
At the Gatsby Gala, The Foundation honors local women who, through visionary thinking, leadership, and philanthropy, have made a difference in the lives of others. Like Jane Addams, the recipient of the Jane Addams Legacy Award is a shining example of moral courage,...
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Announces 2025 Gala Co-Chairs
FREEPORT, IL (January 2, 2025) — The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is pleased to announce that local businesswoman Doreen O'Brien of Big O's on the Hollow and attorney Bridget Trainor of Elliott, Trainor & Weller, P.C., are serving as the 2025 Gatsby Gala...
Foundation CEO Appointed to Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination & Economic Security
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂ (PDF)Contact:Â Sarah Flashing-ClowPhone:Â (815) 801-3035 (o) (815) 618-8808 (c)Email:Â sarah@fornwil.org To better inform policymakers on the root causes of poverty and economic insecurity in northwest Illinois, CEO Michelle DeHaven Quast of The...
The Foundation Honors Nonprofit Organizations at 50th Anniversary Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Sarah Flashing-ClowPhone: (815) 801-3035 (o) (815) 618-8808 (c)Email: sarah@fornwil.org [Freeport, IL – August 21, 2024] –The Foundation for Northwest Illinois staff and board gathered with nearly 130 guests at the Celebration Gala, the...
New Funds Established to Support Youth in Freeport & Stephenson County
Today, The Foundation for Northwest Illinois announced at a press conference the establishment of 2 funds geared toward supporting youth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Marilee & Ted Odendahl have established a fund in their son Ian's name that will, in...
2023 Holiday Meal Box Program
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois has teamed up with Northern Illinois Food Bank and New Jerusalem Food Pantry of Freeport to hold a drive-thru Holiday Meal Box distribution in Freeport on Monday, November 20. At this event, 500 meal boxes will be made available...
Press Release: The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Joins Compeer Financial in Rural Collaboration Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Sarah Flashing-ClowPhone: (815) 801-3035 (o) (815) 618-8808 (c)Email: sarah@fornwil.org[FREEPORT, IL – August 21, 2023] – The Foundation for Northwest Illinois (FNWIL) is partnering with Compeer Financial on the Rural Collaboration...