The Graduate School Excellence Fund

Excellence is something we aspire to at Northern Illinois University; however, the path to achievement is sometimes paved with unexpected obstacles. To ensure graduate student success as well as faculty and program support at the highest levels, we must be agile and have the ability to act when opportunity – or urgency – arises.

The Graduate School Excellence Fund provides that power.

Unlike restricted gifts designated for a specific program or project, the Excellence Fund equips leadership with flexible resources to respond in real time to emerging needs and strategic priorities. It is the fund that keeps us moving FORWARD.

Why It Matters

Every year, unexpected opportunities arise:

• A graduate student faces an unforeseen financial hardship that threatens enrollment.
• An investment is needed to strengthen the student experience.
• A faculty member has a time-sensitive research opportunity that requires seed funding.

When these moments occur, waiting is simply not an option. The Excellence Fund ensures we can act immediately in the most thoughtful, responsible and strategic manner.

Impact In Action

Gifts to the Excellence Fund fuel:

• Graduate student retention and emergency support
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Academic program enhancements

This fund aligns with our multi-year $300M comprehensive philanthropic effort, FORWARD: The Campaign for NIU. All expenditures strategically support one of our three commitments: Expanding Transformational Experiences, Inspiring Discovery and Innovation and Fortifying Our Future.

Donors to the Excellence Fund help us build momentum, allowing leadership to address urgent needs without delay, invest in high-impact opportunities and advance long-term goals. When you give to The Graduate School Excellence Fund, you are not supporting a single opportunity but rather strengthening our entire experience for graduate education. Thank you.