ABOUT
We believe philanthropy can be a powerful tool for helping individuals, companies, and organizations invest in the community. That's why we connect donors to causes they care about and help nonprofits find needed tools and resources.
The Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County fosters giving and invests in communities in Northwest Illinois. At the Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County, we strengthen the communities in our county by inspiring community members to give, making grants to strengthen nonprofits, and investing in long-term community initiatives.
OUR MISSION
WE FOSTER GIVING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE
IN JO DAVIESS COUNTY.
OUR VISION
A GROWING AND SUSTAINABLE COUNTY WITH RESOURCES
AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.
OUR VALUES
Our work will ensure CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT in communities and in
the lives of people in our region.
We embrace DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION.
We value INFORMED AND COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP.
We pursue more EFFECTIVE CHANGE through EXCELLENCE and INNOVATION
The Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County is accredited with Community Foundations National Standards®—the highest standards for philanthropic excellence.
OUR BOARD
Tom Heidenreich
Chairperson
Tom is a retired farmer & active community leader. He is a native of Jo Daviess County living on a generational farm near Stockton, IL.
Nathan Greiner
Vice-Chairperson
Nathan serves as Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at DMI and Design Mill Inc. Nathan is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Hanover, IL
David Wilmarth
Treasurer
David is the CFO and COO at Director of Apple River State Bank and First Community Bank of Galena. David is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Galena, IL.
Mark Einsweiler
Director
Mark is a CPA at his family firm. Mark is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Galena, IL
Kevin Turner
Director
Kevin retired as Jo Daviess County Sheriff in 2025. Kevin is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Elizabeth, IL.
Dr. Michael Wells
Secretary
Mike is a Board-Certified MD at Midwest Medical Center. Mike is a native of Stephenson County now living in Galena, IL.
Jessica Engle
Director
Jessica serves as the Human Resources VP at Citizens State Bank. Jessica is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Hanover, IL
Merri Sevey
Director
Merri serves as the VP of Human Resources at JCE Co-op. Merri is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Hanover, IL.
Kevin Turner
Director
Brad Fox
Director
Brad retired as teh Principal of Stockton Schools is a member of the Stockton Education Foundation Board. Brad is a native of Jo Daviess County living in Hanover, IL.
OUR STAFF
Eric Dregne
President
Eric is a social entrepreneur who believes great things happen when good people work together in communities. Eric serves in a part-time role as the Community Foundation's president. He brings his experience starting 3 companies, 2 nonprofits, and numerous community initiatives, along with 20 years in executive retail management and 10 years in philanthropy, to impact our work. Eric and his wife Carolyn live in Hanover, IL.
Isabelle Rodriguez
Special Projects Intern
Isabella is a student at Loras College studying Political Science. As our special projects intern, she leads our National Standards accreditation process. Isabella lives with her family in Rockford, IL.