815-801-3035 info@fornwil.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Flashing-Clow
Phone: (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 Project, an initiative which supports rural vitality throughout the Midwest, including The Foundation’s region of Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties of northwest Illinois.

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois recently received a grant of $50,000 from the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America donor-advised fund. The Foundation is 1 of 7 community foundations nationwide selected by Compeer to participate in this pilot initiative. The funds will be utilized to host community forums to better understand what rural vitality means to partners and residents, provide funding to regional economic development agencies for small business growth and development, conduct a region-wide SWAT assessment, and host a regional Nonprofit Leadership Symposium.

“Regional and community leaders will be convened to discuss what rural vitality looks like, allowing for direct assessment of critical issues with a focus on finding solutions,” stated FNWIL CEO, Michelle DeHaven-Quast. “Like Compeer Financial, The Foundation’s vision for an improved quality of life is the catalyst for what we do. With strong, collaborative relationships, we can help to create thriving rural economies.”

“We are honored by this opportunity to partner with Compeer Financial in support of rural vitality,” stated Kim Rampenthal, FNWIL Board President. “As The Foundation continues to work toward a Stronger Northwest Illinois, our work is never really finished. But we’re grateful to know corporate partners like Compeer Financial share this value and are working with us in this endeavor.”

Compeer Financial, a Farm Credit cooperative based in the Upper Midwest, has committed to leading the way in pursing a collaborative approach to rural vitality – wherein rural societies are active, strong and able to support a thriving economy.

“At Compeer Financial, we’re all about boosting rural growth through teamwork,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “Our Rural Collaboration Project unites forces within community and initiative foundations to fuel progress. From farming to community needs, entrepreneurship to education, we’re on board. Together, let’s make rural America thrive once again through important projects like this.”

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois will be completing the phases of this project through the remaining months of 2023. Any questions related to The Foundation’s involvement in the Rural Collaboration Project should be directed to Michelle DeHaven-Quast, CEO of The Foundation for Northwest Illinois at michelle@fornwil.org.

About The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
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.

About the Fund for Rural America
The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agricultural advocacy and development, agriculture education, cooperative initiatives, rural development and community enrichment; and youth engagement. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.

About Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $30.5 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.

Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.