THE NORTHERN FUND

The Northern Fund, formerly called the "I Love NSU" annual drive, encourages alumni, parents, students and friends to recall and renew their ties with Northern State University. By making an annual unrestricted gift to the Northern Fund, you enhance the foundation's ability to serve students through scholarships, program innovations and special projects.

Giving to the Northern Fund affords you the chance to connect with today's students. Your gift makes you a part of their success.

EVERY GIFT COUNTS

Every gift - no matter what size - makes a difference! Annual gifts to the Northern Fund range from $5 to $50,000 or more. Last year, over two thousand alumni and friends pledged more than $210,000 for the direct benefit of students. This year our goal is $265,000.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As Northern enters its second century, its future is contingent on its ability to attract and retain students. Major factors influencing a student's decision to attend and remain at Northern are the scholarship assistance they receive and the quality of the academic programs offered that will prepare them for today's challenging workplace.

With no state-funded financial scholarship program in South Dakota, the Northern Fund is used primarily for student scholarships. These unrestricted dollars play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of students, many of whom may not have the financial resources to attend the University. This is where you can help.

THE IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE OF UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

Gifts free of restrictions allow the university to place resources where they are needed most. Your unrestricted gift to the Northern Fund is the 'venture capital' used by the university president and the foundation for various opportunities that will benefit students. The largest portion of gifts to the Northern Fund is used for scholarships for incoming students.

Restricted gifts, on the other hand, are earmarked for specific purposes such as named scholarships, endowment, athletics, or special departmental projects. While both unrestricted and restricted gifts are welcome, unrestricted gifts allow the university to meet immediate critical needs.

GIVING TO THE NORTHERN FUND IS EASY AND CONVENIENT

You can contribute in any number of ways. We offer the option of making your gift by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard, electronic funds transfer, stock transfers... the list goes on and on. In addition, if you or your spouse work for a company with a Matching Gifts Program, your gift can be doubled or even tripled - placing you at a higher recognition level. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, check out our matching gift database.

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