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Faculty and Staff Giving at NIU: Make a Gift
Making Northern An Even Better Place

The faculty and staff at NIU are the heart of the University. Nearly 25,000 students have grown accustomed to a positive learning environment due, in large part, to the work of NIU’s faculty and staff. Whether through time, effort, ideas, or energy, Northern is made a better place through their dedication and service.

Each year, the Annual Fund gives every member of Northern’s community an opportunity to make NIU an even better place by making a financial commitment to an area of their choice. Participation helps show Huskie pride, and can also act as a catalyst to inspire gifts from Northern’s other constituents. These include alumni, parents, friends, local businesses, and graduating seniors.

Most importantly, faculty and staff participation helps provide different areas within the University the resources necessary to empower students to become the leaders of tomorrow. For further information on the faculty and staff giving, please contact Shad Hanselman, Director of the Annual Fund, at (815) 753-2115 or shanselman@niu.edu.

Commonly asked questions (click for answer):


I already give my time and talents to Northern, isn’t that enough?

The faculty and staff giving program does not suggest, in any way, that you don’t already give enough to Northern through your daily service. Participation in the program is viewed as going above and beyond the work you already put in. It is an opportunity to make a financial investment in the place you have already invested in personally.

How can I make a gift?

There are several easy ways to make a gift which includes:

Payroll Deduction. By having a small amount deducted from your earnings each pay period, you can make a significant difference to the area of your choice. A gift of $2.50/pay period adds up to $60 a year; a gift of $5.00/pay period adds up to $120 a year; and so on.

Click to download form as PDFClick to download form as Word Payroll Deduction Gift Form

Outright Gift. You can also make an outright gift via check (made payable to the NIU Foundation) or credit card. The NIU Foundation accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Click to download gift form in PDFClick to download gift form in Word Outright Gift Form

Gift Hotline. You can telephone a credit card gift in directly through our secure hotline at 753-1652 or 1-877-GIV2NIU.

What areas can I support?

That decision is entirely up to you! Here are some suggestions:

Unrestricted Fund
One of the greatest gifts you can make to NIU is that of flexibility. Unrestricted gifts to NIU allow the University to meet emergency needs not covered by other sources of funding.

The NIU Faculty Fund
Without the direct support of its faculty, many of Northern's most academically talented and accomplished students would not be able to take advantage of the benefits of higher education. For many years, the Faculty Fund has offered tuition waivers and scholarships to 12 to 15 students each year in recognition of their past excellence and future promise. For more information, contact Linda Sons at (815) 753-6760 or e-mail lsons@niu.edu.

Operating Staff Dependent Award
The Operating Staff Dependent Award provides direct financial assistance to children of current NIU Operating Staff and retirees, chosen by the Dependent Award Committee. The award is for one academic year, in the amount of $250 each semester ($500 per academic year, fall/spring). For more information, contact Sara Clayton at (815) 753-9526 or e-mail sclayton@niu.edu. Click here to apply for the award.

University Libraries
The University Libraries play an important role in the academic excellence of Northern. The library is the center of the university, serving every academic discipline. The quality of the University Libraries directly enriches the lives and enhances the learning potential of every student on campus. Keeping abreast of advanced electronic resources and acquiring needed research materials is a costly endeavor. The University Libraries offer several contribution opportunities for all levels of giving. For more information on giving to the University Libraries, visit the Friends of the University Libraries webpage by clicking here, or contact Ging Smith at (815) 753-1860.

Will I be recognized for my gift?

After your gift is received and processed, you will be sent a special letter of thanks and a gift receipt.

Is it possible to stop a payroll deduction gift after I have begun to have a specified amount deducted from my earnings each pay period?

Yes. If you wish to stop making a gift through payroll deduction, you will need to send a written notice to the payroll office specifying the deduction you would like terminated. For more information, you may contact the payroll office at (815) 753-6000.


Photo of Tim Emmons
“I’m not a Northern alum, but my family and I live in this community. I find it hard to imagine life here without the university. NIU contributes to the quality of our life, and that’s why I contribute to NIU.”

Tim Emmons
Director and
General Manager
Northern Public Radio


Photo of Sara Clayton
“I support the Operating Staff Dependent Award because it feels good to know that you might be helping a dependent of an NIU Civil Service employee with the purchase of books, lab fees, or other expenses tied to attending NIU.”

Sara Clayton,
International Programs,
Operating Staff Council President


Photo of Steve Cunningham
“Northern Illinois University serves many different communities in fulfilling its academic and public service missions. NIU’s faculty and staff are one of these communities. As a member of this community, I find it important to contribute as an acknowledgment of the many ways that Northern contributes to our region and to us.”

Steve Cunningham
Associate Vice President
Administration and
Human Resources


Photo of Andy Small
“I support the Operating Staff Dependent Award because I want to help with students’ educational goals. I personally feel that NIU not only makes a difference in educating the men and women of our area, but also significantly contributes to the economic and cultural growth of our area. It is obvious to me that NIU makes a difference and thus is worthy of all our support.”

Andy Small
Chemistry and Biochemistry


NIU Annual Fund

Allegiance Society
Giving through the Annual Fund
Corporate Matching Gifts
Parents' Fund
NIU Foundation - Huskie Telefund