Our Projects

  • Four men fixing bikes

    The Bike Place

    Just about everyone can benefit from riding a bicycle. The Bike Place in Princeton, IL makes that idea a reality by rescuing, repairing, recycling and distributing new and used bikes. Stop by our shop to take one for a ride. We Pedal it Forward!

  • A little free library educational exhibit

    Big Read, Little Library

    Being able to read well is more important than ever in a fast-paced interconnected society and economy. And the love of reading that leads to a full, productive life—and jobs—can be nurtured. Midwest Partners supports uniquely successful efforts to promote reading.

  • Norman Rockwell & Maggie Meiners

    Four Freedoms & Beyond

    Using art to celebrate and reflect on core American values, this project aims to bridge American divisions with collaborative, empathetic community events, awards, art, written publications, and more.

  • flowers arranged in the form of a mandala

    Trees, Gardens, & Flowers...

    From sponsoring Mainstreet flower pots to picking up roadside garbage, we have helped enhance the natural beauty of our home. We aren’t afraid to get dirt on our hands to help our town and our earth!

  • A building with public art and a building without public art

    How does a town express itseslf?

    Public Art! Created public art can contribute to a community's identity, foster pride and a sense of belonging, and attract visitors. It can play an important part in making us unique, while portraying our pride in our town, our community, and our history.

  • images of newspaper ads promoting people in the community

    Promoting Our Hometown

    Recognizing, inspiring, rewarding, and promoting those who exemplify just what makes Princeton such a good place to live. A strong community is built by those who support and respect each other.

  • The letter B in a circle

    The Place to "B"

    There is no “Planet B,” they say. This is it. We’re here. Now. In North Central Illinois. While transforming the global economy to benefit all people and communities throughout the entire planet seems a little ambitious, we can start where we live, work, create, learn and play. That’s what we aspire to be. Thus, The B Store.

  • Thanks

    We couldn't do it without you.

    Yes, one person can make a difference. But hundreds of people have contributed to the efforts begun by Midwest Partners since 2015. They lead by example. You can be like them and accept our thanks.

 Everything begins with an idea.

Have you ever been walking through a shopping district or public area in town and thought “I wish someone would do something with that empty lot…” or “It would be nice if we had a program that…” Well, Midwest Partners is the place to explore that idea.

With experience, enthusiasm, and expertise…

We work with you to bring community projects to life. That means building relations with people who have interests and resources you might need, offering toolkits or resources to help develop your idea, and having expertise in grant writing and program development to help you reach your goals. Our office, located in the historic Princeton Amtrak Depot, is a great place to meet with people who have a stake in the quality of life where we live.

The story of a small town organization…

2015

In the beginning, Midwest Partners started with the renovation and furnishing of their office and meeting place in Princeton’s historic Amtrak Depot.  Since its beginnings, “The Depot” has grown as a great meeting, coworking, and learning space for individuals or small groups.

 2016

In 2016, Midwest Partners began supporting the Main Street Revitalization initiative in Princeton by convening residents who were interested in being involved.

We also celebrated Sankt Martin’s Day at Darius Miller Park at the first-ever lantern parade, helped Gateway Services plant their pollinator garden, and published the first edition of Z-Tour Velo News.