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What’s in a name?
Organization changes name to The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
The-Foundation-for-Northwest-Illinois

FREEPORT — 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. 

Additionally, $5,000 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.