Donor Relations The Donor Relations program supports Northern Illinois University's fund-raising efforts and builds lasting and meaningful relationships with prospective and current donors through special events, gift acknowledgements, gift stewardship, regular communications, and donor recognition programs. Special Events The Donor Relations program hosts two annual special events: the Endowed Scholarship Luncheon and the Donor Recognition Dinner. The Donor Recognition Dinner is a spectacular event where more than 200 NIU donors are recognized and thanked for their generous gifts to the university of $1,000 or more. The Endowed Scholarship Luncheon recognizes donors who have established endowed scholarships. The event's theme, "Giving to Learn. Learning to Give," reflects the unique relationships these gifts afford donors. At the luncheon, donors meet the students who have received their scholarship awards and learn firsthand how meaningful their gifts truly are. A scholarship booklet which includes the names of the donors, their endowed scholarships and the student recipients, is given as a memento of the event. Stewardship Annual stewardship reports are mailed to all endowed donors and departments with endowed programs. Information in the report includes the market value of the endowed account, the yearly expendable amount of the fund, and the scholarship recipients, if appropriate. Donor Recognition NIU's Donor Recognition Program focuses on providing additional recognition and appreciation for its donors. Thoughtful contributors who provide financial support to students and university programs are recognized in one of the annual giving, lifetime giving, or deferred giving societies. The Donor Recognition Program offers qualified donors increased opportunities for involvement with campus leaders, increased communications from the university, invitations to specific NIU events, and recognition in printed materials such as an Annual Report. Donors who make annual gifts at the $1,000 level or above become members of the Landmark Associates. Donors whose cumulative lifetime gifts equal $50,000 or more become members of the Founders Forum, and donors who have given to the university through a deferred gift or a bequest, will be members of the Cornerstone Society. Donor Recognition Levels Cornerstone Society = All Bequests and Deferred Gifts to NIU Platinum Guild =$1,000,000 or Greater Gold Guild = $250,000 - $999,999 Silver Guild = $50,000 - $249,999 Bronze Guild = Less Than $50,000 For more information, please contact... Abby Dean (815) 753-5421 amdean@niu.edu   or Diane Johnson (815) 753-9469 dianejohnson@niu.edu   or Christina Pilling (815) 753-8598 cpilling@niu.edu