DEKALB, Ill. – Huskies Invest, the annual week of giving for Northern Illinois University Athletics, returns this week, October 19-23, 2026, and once again targets a fundraising goal of over $1 million for the week. 

Now in its 10th year, what started as a modest fundraising effort has become one of the most vital pillars of the NIU Athletics donor engagement strategy. In 2025, the campaign raised over $1.2 million, the largest total in the history of the campaign and the fifth consecutive year that Huskies Invest topped the $1 million mark. 

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.

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.

Supporters can give throughout the week (October 19-23) 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 alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and fans to join the movement, share their stories and help spread the word using #HuskiesInvest.

For more information, visit HuskieAthleticFund.com or call (815) 753-1923.