The Foundation for Northwest Illinois

06/05/2026

06/02/2026

Civic health is the heartbeat of a strong community. 💓 It comes alive when everyday people show up, volunteer, and use their voices to shape the world right outside their front doors.

Join us for the next Emerging Leadership Network (ELN) gathering! Whether you want to grow professionally, give back, or connect with local changemakers, ELN is your platform.

Here is what’s in store for you:
🌱 Personal & Professional Growth through leadership opportunities
🗣️ Collaborative Roundtables & community-led discussions
🤝 Deep Connections with community partners and Foundation impact
💡 Awareness & Advocacy for underserved & overlooked communities
💼 Board Preparedness to equip you for future civic leadership roles
🌐 Networking with like-minded professionals across various sectors

Let’s build a stronger community, together. 👇

📅 Date: June 18
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Stephenson County Farm Bureau®

👋 Want to attend or have questions? Drop a comment below or send an email to Sarah Flashing Clow at [email protected] to RSVP!

05/28/2026

💛 COMMUNITY IN ACTION: Delivering Hope and Relief to Lena 💚

We are thrilled to share that critical relief funds are officially making their way directly into the hands of our neighbors!

This week, Bill Clow (VP of the Lena Business & Professional Association), alongside Sarah Flashing Clow (VP of Strategic Initiatives at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois) and Jill Freese (Director of Operations at The Foundation), hit the ground to distribute relief checks to those deeply impacted by the April 17 tornado.

The response to this disaster has been nothing short of historic. Thanks to an outpouring of love and generosity, here is how your support is changing lives:

💛 $180,000+ Raised: The total amount contributed by individuals, businesses, and organizations since the storm.

💛 $100,000 Matching Pledge: Contributed directly by The Foundation for Northwest Illinois to double the impact of your generosity.

💛 $250,000+ Being Disbursed: Through a seamless collaboration with the Lena Business & Professional Association, over a quarter-million dollars is being distributed right now via relief checks and "Lena Money" gift cards to stimulate our local economy and provide immediate aid.

‼️Our work isn't done yet. Fundraising continues daily to build the Lena Strong Community Fund, ensuring we can support long-term recovery and rebuilding.‼️

Thank you to EVERY SINGLE DONOR who is proving that we are truly stronger together.

05/28/2026

💚 $10,000 RAISED FOR LENA TORNADO RELIEF! 💚

When our community needs it most, our local businesses step up in a massive way. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that thanks to your incredible generosity and the unwavering support of some amazing local partners, we have officially raised $10,000 for the Lena Strong Community Fund!

A huge, heartfelt thank you to:
🏆 Hometown Trophies-Gifts & Engraving
🪡 Sweet Stitches Market
🧵 7Stitches

Because of your dedication, creativity, and community spirit, we are able to provide critical, immediate support to our neighbors affected by the April tornado. You have shown once again what it truly means to be "Lena Strong." 💪✨

To everyone who purchased, donated, and shared—thank you for being the heart of this recovery effort. We are so proud to work alongside all of you to rebuild and support Northwest Illinois.

05/21/2026

Big news! Our President & CEO, Michelle DeHaven Quast, has been named to the Council on Foundations Advisory Group for the Center for Community Foundations. 👏

She will join other national leaders to help shape the future of place-based philanthropy and advocate for community needs. We are proud to have Northwest Illinois represented on this national stage!

Learn more: https://cof.org/center-community-foundations/community-foundation-advisory-group-members