News & Events
THE FOUNDATION FOR NORTHWEST ILLINOISRoom to Grow
Recently staff from The Foundation for Northwest Illinois had the happy problem of needing to be in two places at once. Due to a scheduling fluke, the Greater Freeport Partnership and Northwest Illinois Economic Development hosted their annual dinners on the same...
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...
2024 Marvin · Wilson Community Needs Grants Cycle Opens February 15
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is accepting grant applications for the 2024 Marvin · Wilson Community Needs grant cycle beginning February 15 and closing on April 1. Application procedures and grant guidelines are available online. Funding for the Marvin ·...
5 Golden Giving Tips
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it also represents a time of reflection and how we can be thoughtful of others and make a difference in our communities. Consider making a donation in honor of a friend or loved one—it’s a gift that’s always the right...
Give Local & Shop Local this Holiday Season
As we move through the 2023 holiday and giving season, keep your local nonprofits in mind. Many need your monetary gifts, but many are also great sources for locally sourced holiday treasurers. From a giving perspective, most nonprofit organizations—including The...
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...
Richard “Dick” Drogosz: The Legacy of a Servant Leader
Yesterday, the family, community and The Foundation for Northwest Illinois laid to rest a true servant leader—Richard “Dick” Drogosz. In his 84 years, Dick lived an extraordinary life. Professionally he recorded 38 years with Honeywell International carrying out...
Richard Drogosz: In Memoriam
Richard "Dick" Joseph Drogosz, 84, of Freeport, IL passed away Wednesday September 27, 2023 at Ascension Living Saint Joseph Village with his family by his side. He was born March 18, 1939 in Chicago, IL, the son of Francis and Estelle (Matuch) Drogosz. Dick grew up...
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...
Press Release: The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Partners with MasterClass to Provide Educational Resources to Nonprofit Organizations in Northwest Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Sarah Flashing-ClowPhone: (815) 618-8808 (c)Email: sarah@fornwil.org[FREEPORT, IL – August 23, 2023] – The Foundation for Northwest Illinois (FNWIL) has proudly partnered with MasterClass, offering no-cost annual memberships to their...
Happy 815 Day, Northwest Illinois!
Today is a great opportunity to celebrate all that is unique and wonderful about our region: The 815. Reaching from the far northwest corner or our State where Illinois touches the Iowa and Wisconsin borders, hugging the greater Chicago market, and ending just above...
Bridges to the Future Gala: Recap
On August 3, guests celebrated the service of nonprofit organizations and the generosity of those who support those organizations throughout Northwest Illinois. Emcee'd by WIFR's Chief Meteorologist, Mark Henderson, guests enjoyed a beautiful evening of almost perfect...
Press Release: The Foundation for Northwest Illinois Celebrates Area Leaders for Commitment to Region at Upcoming Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sarah Flashing-Clow Phone: (815) 618-8808 (c) Email: sarah@fornwil.org [FREEPORT, IL – July 26, 2023] – The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is hosting the 2nd Annual Bridges to the Future Gala on August 3, celebrating the vital work...
PRESS RELEASE: Organization Changes Name to The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
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...
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
That’s us. Ye olde Freeport Community Foundation is now going by a shiny, new handle. And as Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet,” and we agree. As The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, we are still...
New Prospective Board Member Database in Development
As challenging as it can be for nonprofits to locate new board members who are passionate for their cause, it can be equally as difficult for people who are interested in board service to make the right connections. If you are interested in being considered for board...
Local Pantry Leaders Convene on Food Insecurity Issue
The Freeport Community Foundation is working with area community leaders to collectively discover ways to address the region's on-going food insecurity issues more efficiently and effectively. Our most recent roundtable included leaders from pantries directly...
SSM Health Supports the Mission of the Foundation as a Corporate Partner
Welcome to The Foundation’s newest 2023 Corporate Partner, SSM Health Monroe Clinic! We are very grateful to them for not only their corporate contribution, but also their true partnership and dedication to The Foundation’s mission of empowering nonprofits throughout...
New Pathways to Address Northwest Illinois Needs
Recorded in autumn of 1963 and released in February 1964, Bob Dylan’s song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” was instantly inspirational. Of this now iconic piece, Dylan was quoted by Cameron Crowe in the album Biograph linernotes: “This is definitely a song with a...
Bridges Gala: Award Nominations Now Open
The Freeport Community Foundation is now accepting nominations for both the Matthew A. Marvin Community Impact Award and the Craig Wilson Ecological Stewardship Award to be presented at the Bridges to the Future Awards Gala on August 3rd at The Muse on Cedar Creek....
Bridges to the Future Grants Reception: June 28 at The Freeport Club
June 28 is the annual grants reception from 5pm - 7 pm supporting area nonprofit organizations. Special thanks for our corporate sponsors, The Freeport Club & Inertia for hosting this event!
Freeport Community Foundation Launches Northwest Illinois Nonprofit Alliance to Strengthen Organizations throughout Region
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sarah Flashing-Clow, Community Relations Director Phone: (815) 801-3035 Email: pr@freeportcf.org [Freeport, IL – April 4, 2023] The Freeport Community Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Northwest Illinois Nonprofit...
Marvin ∙ Wilson Community Needs Grant Application Deadline Extended
The Freeport Community Foundation has extended the deadline for the the annual 2023 Marvin ∙ Wilson Community Needs grant. The grant application process will close April 6 at 4pm. Application procedures and grant guidelines are available here.
Featured Fund: Northwest Illinois/Southwest Wisconsin Fund for Community Development
This Northwest Illinois/Southwest Wisconsin Fund for Community Development was established by John & Caryl Buford of Orangeville, Illinois in 2007. They believe in the benefits of endowment and want to inspire others to support local nonprofits that foster...
Grant Applications Continue to be Accepted through March 30
The Freeport Community Foundation continues to accept grant applications for the annual 2023 Marvin ∙ Wilson Community Needs grant cycle. The application process closes on March 30 at 4pm. Application procedures and grant guidelines are available HERE. Please...
Cocktails for a Cause: Event Recap
On February 24th, enthusiastic friends and supporters gathered for an evening of networking and elegant cocktails at The Freeport Club. Donations raised at our quarterly Cocktails for a Cause allows The Foundation to meet the most pressing needs of nonprofits who...
Amazon Discontinues Charity Program AmazonSmile
Organizations have been notified by Amazon this week that the company is discontinuing their charitable program, AmazonSmile. While they are not ending all of their philanthropic efforts including their affordable housing efforts, they intend to end the AmazonSmile...
Cocktails for a Cause: February 24 at The Freeport Club
Come out for Happy Hour at Mousie's Lounge in The Freeport Club on February 24th at 5 PM. Enjoy specialty cocktails while supporting the work of The Freeport Community Foundation. There is no admission fee, just an opportunity to network, connect with friends and have...
Freeport Community Foundation Announces Change to Grant Cycles: Accepting Applications for 2023 Community Needs Grants
The Freeport Community Foundation will be accepting grant applications for its now once-annual 2023 Marvin / Wilson Community Needs grant beginning January 30…
Press Release: Freeport Community Foundation Elevates Michelle DeHaven-Quast to CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sarah Flashing-Clow, Community Relations Director Phone: (815) 801-3035 Email: pr@freeportcf.org The Freeport Community Foundation Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Michelle DeHaven-Quast has been appointed to the role of...