DEKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University Athletics is pleased to announce the return of Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving, running October 20–24, 2025. Building on a legacy of sustained success, the 2025 campaign will target another year over $1 million.
A Tradition of Momentum & Impact
What began nearly a decade ago as a modest fundraising effort has evolved into one of the most vital pillars of Huskie Athletics' donor engagement strategy. In 2024, the campaign raised $1,059,863 with a record 1,000 gifts from 471 unique donors, surpassing the $1 million mark for the fourth consecutive year.
That total stands as the second-highest in campaign history, bringing the all-time Huskies Invest giving to more than $5.5 million. Contributions supported 29 distinct programs and initiatives across NIU Athletics, Recreation, Club Sports, spirit groups, and core support functions.
Through matching gift challenges, donor participation, and strategic campaign design, Huskies Invest has become a staple in the fall calendar, galvanizing Huskie Nation to unite behind the student-athlete experience.
2025 - A Year of Elevation
This year's campaign arrives at a particularly important moment for NIU Athletics as it charts its course toward heightened competitiveness, enhanced facilities, and expanded student-athlete support. Financial resources are more crucial than ever in an evolving landscape of college sports.
"We're building on that success and have set another ambitious fundraising goal: $1 million for the 5th consecutive year," says
Sean T. Frazier, NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics & Recreation. "What inspires me most about Huskies Invest is the participation from every corner of Huskie Nation - recent graduates, longtime alumni, parents, community members, and fans. Each contribution, no matter how big, adds up to something that really moves the needle for our programs."
In the weeks ahead, NIU Athletics will roll out campaign activations, matching gift challenges, sport-specific drives, and engagement events to rally support across campus and throughout Huskie Nation.
Why Huskies Invest Matters
Every dollar raised during Huskies Invest helps directly support NIU student-athletes. Key priorities include:
• Enhanced competitive support through training, travel and performance resources
• Academic & wellness support, including tutoring, medical staff, nutrition
• Facility upgrades & infrastructure, aligned with future conference transitions
• Sport-level discretionary funds, enabling coaches to respond to immediate needs
Unlike some restricted gifts, Huskies Invest donations often allow flexibility, helping the department address urgent needs and invest where it matters most in a given year.
How to Participate
Supporters can give throughout the week (October 20–24) via the
Huskies Invest giving platform. Donors will have the option to designate their gift to a specific sport, facility fund, core support area, or give unrestricted to the Huskie Athletic Fund.
NIU Athletics encourages members of Huskie Nation alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and fans to join the movement, share their stories, and help spread the word using #HuskiesInvest.
To learn more or make a gift early,
CLICK HERE, visit HuskieAthleticFund.com or call (815) 753-1923.
