Thousands Strong Has Ended, But You Can Still Make a Gift by Clicking Here
NIU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Is Thousands Strong!


A college degree is a key component in social mobility. NIU prides itself on our long tradition of providing access and opportunity to underserved populations who come to college, not only to achieve their personal and career goals, but also to make a difference in their families, communities, states and nations.

CLAS, as the heart of the university, shares that commitment.

Your gift will make a difference in the lives of our students. From providing students the funding they need to enroll in classes, providing assistance for student organizations like Forensics and Mock Trial travel, providing stipends and support to students conducting research to bringing the spirit of the liberal arts and sciences out into the community.

You’ll be paving the way for future scientists, educators, journalists, lawyers, researchers, doctors, public servants and activists. The hallmark NIU grit and dreams are there — they just need a little investment to come true.

Project Finish Line

More than 200 students drop out each year during their final four semesters due to outstanding balances and increasing debt. Help students in their final semester who are facing financial difficulties stay enrolled and earn their degree.

Dean's Discretionary Fund

Support activities such as Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series, community engagement and student support for research.

Departments and Centers

Invest in your home department or interdisciplinary center and support students in the classroom and as they pursue research and scholarship.


Leaderboard
NIU College Leaderboard: Gifts
See how your college is doing in overall gifts.
Rank College Gifts
1 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 334
2 College of Law 212
3 College of Business 156
4 College of Education 156
5 College of Health & Human Sciences 131
Ended
Leaderboard
NIU College Leaderboard: Dollars
See how your college is doing in overall dollars raised.
Rank College Raised
1 College of Business $538,055.98
2 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences $152,300.03
3 College of Law $73,328.00
4 College of Education $43,537.00
5 College of Health & Human Sciences $33,610.25
Ended
$100,000
Thousands Strong Participation Challenge
A generous and long-time NIU donor wants to encourage the Huskie family to come together during Thousands Strong. When 2,000 total gifts are made during Thousands Strong, a $100,000 gift to support innovation and strategic initiatives will be unlocked into our totals.
2,000 / 2,000 Gifts
Completed
$50,000
Wirth-Evans Challenge for the Department of History
NIU alumna Dr. Mary Wirth ’74 and Dr. Dennis Evans want to inspire gifts to the Department of History during Thousands Strong. When 100 gifts are made, their $50,000 gift to the William P. Wirth Memorial Fund in History will be added to the Day of Giving totals. This fund honors one of the department’s proud alumni and supports the needs of today’s History students.
Completed
$25,000
Lamb Challenge for Project Finish Line
When 20 gifts are made to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Project Finish Line, $25,000 from Mark and Donna Lamb will be added to the Thousand Strong totals.
20 / 20 Gifts
Completed
$20,000
Webb Challenge for Computer Science
NIU Computer Science alumnus Jordan Webb ’02, M.S. ’09 and his wife Tuesday Webb want to inspire gifts to the Computer Science department. When 25 gifts are made to Computer Science, a gift of $20,000 to create a scholarship of in honor of Dr. Robert Rannie will be unlocked in the Thousands Strong totals.
25 / 25 Gifts
Completed
$5,000
Comcast Challenge for Public Administration-MPA
Our friends at Comcast are eager to support Public Administration's mission “to improve the quality of life for all in local communities by strengthening professional and ethical public and nonprofit management through our teaching, scholarship and community engagement.” When 50 gifts are made to any area within Public Administration, their $5,000 gift will be added to the Day of Giving totals for the department.
50 / 50 Gifts
Completed
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Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at northernfund@niu.edu.