Boone County Community Foundation

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Belvidere, IL
Boone County Community Foundation

We exist to improve the quality of life in Boone County for today, tomorrow and the future by building a culture of giving in our community.

08/27/2026

❤️📚🦋As we all read through the tributes, listen to our favorite Dolly songs, and try to comprehend the incredible impact of her love and generosity, we are reflecting on a very special milestone for our community: one year of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Boone County, Illinois.

What a phenomenal human being Dolly Parton was, and what a remarkable legacy of love she leaves behind. ❤️

In our inaugural year, we have served more than 1,000 children and mailed more than 7,300 books to children ages 0–5 living right here in Boone County. Every one of those books represents an opportunity for a child to discover a new story, learn a new word, share a special moment with a loved one, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Our one-year anniversary advertisement will appear on the front page of the Shopper today. While we wish we were celebrating this milestone under different circumstances, somehow it feels even more meaningful now.

Dolly’s love lives on. And this book-gifting program represents the very spirit of community she believed in, neighbors coming together to give children the gift of books, imagination, possibility, and a brighter future.

Thank you, Dolly, for showing the world what love and generosity can accomplish. 🦋 📚❤️

If you would like to learn more about the program, register a child ages 0–5 who lives in Boone County, or find out how you can support Imagination Library of Boone County, please contact our office at 815-544-7231 or visit our website.

Her legacy lives on, one child, one book, and one community at a time. ❤️

08/21/2026

📣📣📣Don’t miss out!📣📣📣

The Boone County Community Foundation 2026 Community Grant Cycle for non-profits and public service sector organizations is now open and accepting applications through September 15, 2026.

For details, eligibility criteria, and application information, visit our website’s Grant page or call our office at 815-544-7231.

08/18/2026

⭐⭐⭐ Grant in Action ⭐⭐⭐

🐐👨‍👩‍👧‍👦We had a wonderful time attending Kids with Kids Farm tour at Farmers Rising!

Families had the opportunity to explore the farm, spend time in the gardens, meet the goats and animals, and experience firsthand all that Farmers Rising has to offer. The experience provided a hands-on look at where food comes from and the important work that goes into building a more sustainable local food system.

Through our support and collaboration with Farmers Rising and Ida Public Library, we are excited to help connect children and families throughout Boone County with meaningful experiences on the farm. From kids digging in the garden to meeting animals and exploring the farm, there was something for everyone to enjoy!

Farmers Rising’s education campus serves as a living classroom for students of all ages, offering customized day programs and overnight campouts that bring learning to life.

We’re grateful to Farmers Rising for opening their doors to our community and for the work they continue to do to educate and inspire the next generation! Together, we make a difference! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐐

08/17/2026

📚🍎🚌 It is finally here, the Community Building Complex of Boone County's Back 2 School Party!! Come join the fun today, Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4pm-6:30pm! 🚌🍎📚

08/15/2026

💖🌟💖Happy 815 day!! We can't think of a better way to celebrate 815 then to shine a light on the people and organizations who are making a difference in our community!

The Excalibur and Excelsior awards started in 1971 in Winnebago county as a way to celebrate and recognized individuals and then a few years later organizations doing great and impactful work.

In recognition of the return of these awards and the interconnected communities that make Northern Illinois special, the Community Champion Awards were introduced in 2023. Each year, one Community Champion, an individual, organization, or group, is selected from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

The 2026 Boone County Community Champion will join an inspiring group of past honorees, including Build-A-Bike, The Baby Bank, and Senior Connections.

So on this 815 day we are asking:
Who is doing the good work in Boone County?
Who goes above and beyond to serve others?
What organization or individual is making our community stronger?

Nominate a person, organization, or group that deserves to be recognized as the 2026 Boone County Community Champion!

Let’s celebrate the people who lead with heart, serve with purpose, and make Boone County a better place for everyone! 💖🌟💖

A very special thank you to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), and Rockford Register Star | rrstar.com for inviting us to be a part of this wonderful tradition!

08/14/2026

🚌🎒📚We had such a great time celebrating and supporting the incredible District 100 employees and their families as they get ready for another school year. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, enjoy some treats, and kick off the year with a little extra fun.

A huge thank you to DFA Dairy Brands for generously donating ice cream sandwiches!

We also had the opportunity to raffle off two baskets filled with goodies donated by some amazing community partners. A special thank you to the Belvidere Park District, Belvidere Cosmo Club, Boone County Fire District #2 Firefighters Association, and Boone County Conservation District for contributing items to help us put together the baskets. And congratulations to our two lucky raffle winners!

We are grateful for our partnership with District 100 and community organizations who all work hard to make a difference for local students and families. Wishing everyone a fantastic school year ahead! 📚🎒🚌

08/11/2026

❤️🎡 The sun is finally shining! Stop and say hi to Tabitha, our Director of Administration and Programs, at Gate 1 at the Boone County Fair. Hope to see you there. Happy Fair Week! 🎡❤️

08/10/2026

⭐⭐⭐ GRANT IN ACTION ⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had such a wonderful time joining the Sister Cities Association of Belvidere for their annual picnic. It was a great evening of community and connection, and a chance to learn more about the important work Sister Cities does to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

Sister Cities continues to create meaningful opportunities for local youth through its ambassador program, helping students build friendships, experience other cultures, and represent Belvidere internationally. We are proud to support programs that bring people together and create connections that reach far beyond Boone County.

And don’t forget to mark your calendar for their upcoming Taste of Oktoberfest on October 3rd at Coaches Corner! Enjoy German food, Oktoberfest beer brewed by 5 Bines Brewery, live music, and plenty of fun throughout the afternoon.

07/06/2026

⭐⭐⭐Grant in Action⭐⭐⭐

Since 2016, Zion Lutheran Church has hosted community food truck distributions several times each year, providing nutritious food to individuals and families throughout Boone County. These events are open to all community residents, ensuring that neighbors facing food insecurity have access to fresh, healthy groceries.

The Boone County Community Foundation is proud to support Zion Lutheran Church through a community grant that helps make these food distributions possible. In partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Zion continues its mission of serving those in need by offering not only essential food items, but also hope, compassion, and a sense of community.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Boone County Community Foundation Executive Director Melissa Erickson had the privilege of volunteering alongside Zion's incredible team and witnessing firsthand the impact of this long-standing community effort. She was inspired by the dedication, generosity, and compassion of the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure each distribution runs smoothly and every neighbor is welcomed with dignity and care.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers whose time, hard work, and commitment make these food distributions possible. Your willingness to serve continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Boone County.

Together, we make a difference! One meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. ❤️

07/02/2026

We were honored to attend the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) Donor Appreciation Luncheon on June 23, 2026.

It was truly inspiring to hear from two Gold Award Girl Scouts, Lucy and Lauren. They each shared the incredible projects they have developed to make a positive impact in their communities. Their creativity, leadership, and passion for serving others are a wonderful reminder of the difference young people make.

The Boone County Community Foundation is proud to partner and support GSNI through our community grants program.

⭐⭐⭐ Grant in Action ⭐⭐⭐

This year GSNI collaborated with the Boone County Conservation District, having the scouts engage in habitat restoration, wildlife observation, water quality testing, native species identification, and so much more. Opportunities like these helps ensure every girl has the chance to build confidence, develop leadership skills, teamwork, scientific inquiry, and gain knowledge and skills that translate to every area of life.

A very special shout out to Vicki Jacobson, longtime Director of Philanthropy and an extraordinary champion for the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, as she begins her well-earned retirement. While she may be beginning a new chapter, the impact of her dedication will continue to inspire and empower Girl Scouts for generations to come. Wishing her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new adventure! 💚

Address

600 S. State Street Suite 302
Belvidere, IL
61008

Telephone

(815) 544-7231

Website

http://www.boonecountycommunityfoundation.org/

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