Elevate the future of NAU students—transform academic excellence with your gift today

Your support for Elevating Academic Excellence at NAU empowers you to directly impact the success of our students and researchers. 

Every donation fuels innovative academic programs and transformative research opportunities that define the NAU experience. By funding these academic programs and cutting-edge research centers, you empower Lumberjacks to pursue groundbreaking discoveries and scholarly achievements.

NAU’s commitment to Elevating Academic Excellence drives our mission to cultivate leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers prepared to tackle global challenges. Your generosity plays a crucial role in advancing academic programs that foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—preparing students to thrive in diverse professional landscapes and drive positive change in our world.

Join us in elevating academic excellence at NAU. Your investment today ensures that every student has the support and resources they need to reach their full potential, contribute to cutting-edge research, and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.


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Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
2
Match
Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
Join President Cruz Rivera in shaping the future of entrepreneurship at NAU. Your support will amplify our efforts to empower the next generation of innovators through our Lean Startup Semester Series. Every dollar you give doubles the impact, making innovation a reality. President Cruz Rivera will authorize the release of matching funds for Bill Heibel’s $25,000 gift and up to an additional $100,000 to double your impact on student innovation.
$5 MATCHED
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Empower Indigenous Excellence: Arizona Lottery & Connors Family Challenge
$57,000
Empower Indigenous Excellence: Arizona Lottery & Connors Family Challenge
Unlock $57,000 in support for the Honors Native American Summer Research Program by joining the Arizona Lottery and the Connors family in their commitment to Indigenous student success. Once 25 gifts are made to either the Honors College, Office of Undergraduate Research, or the Office of Native American and Indigenous Advancement, the Arizona Lottery will contribute $25,000 and the Connors family will contribute $32,000 to this interdisciplinary research program. This transformative initiative empowers Indigenous students to excel in higher education through impactful summer research projects. Join us in supporting Indigenous excellence at NAU on #NAUGivingDay!
19 / 25 Gifts
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True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Help us start off the day with our first milestone and show the Lumberjack community we are True Blue! When we reach 125 alumni gifts of $125 or more on #NAUGivingDay the following NAU Alumni Association Board members will release a collective $11,750 in gifts. Thank you to: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; "Kari" Kent, '91; Rick Koch, ’72; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Maggie Thom, ’12; , Wayne Watson, ’84; and (3) anonymous members. Go Jacks!
27 / 125 Gifts
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NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Event
NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Get ready for a wild ride this May 1 as NAU Transit Services presents a one-of-a-kind Giving Day celebration — Transit Trivia and prizes aboard a secret shuttle! Students lucky enough to catch the right shuttle on May 1 can win NAU Giving Day swag based on their answers. Climb aboard. Think fast. And win!
Event
CrossFit Battle at the Dome: Army ROTC vs. Air Force ROTC
Join us bright and early on NAU Giving Day, May 1st, at the NAU Skydome for an adrenaline-pumping CrossFit competition as cadets from Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC face off in a head-to-head fitness challenge! Kicking off at 05:45, this high-energy event is a battle of endurance, strength, and spirit. Come show your support and cheer on the cadets!
Event
Cornhole with Dean Haro: Bags, Boards & Big Impact!
Join Roger Haro, Dean of the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences, for a Giving Day cornhole showdown packed with Lumberjack spirit! Head over to the Science and Health Building (bldg. 36) on May 1, from 10:00AM–11:00AM, to take your shot against the Dean or cheer on others. It’s a fun and relaxed way to connect and learn how to support the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. Come toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day with purpose!
Event
Croquet for Elle: Play, Remember, Give
Join us this Giving Day for Croquet for Elle, a joyful tribute to the life and legacy of Elle Zizzi, a beloved member of the NAU Theatre community. Stop by the lawn outside the Performing Arts Building (bldg 37) from 11:00AM-1:00PM. This event invites students, faculty, and friends to gather, play a friendly game of croquet, and support the Theatre Scholarship in Elle’s memory. With every game played, we carry forward Elle’s spirit of joy, creativity, and community.
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay at Mother Road Brewing Company
Join fellow Jacks in Flagstaff to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5 – 7 p.m. Mother Road Brewing Company Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Denver at Number Thirty Eight
Join fellow Jacks in the Denver area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5:30 – 7 p.m. Number Thirty Eight Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
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Expand Knowledge: Fueling Research at NAU
$1,500
Expand Knowledge: Fueling Research at NAU
Jason Wilder, Vice President for Research at NAU, is calling on you to fuel innovation and discovery this Giving Day! Once 30 gifts are made to NAU Research, Center for Community Health & Engaged Research (CHER), or the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI), we will release a generous gift of $1,500 from Jason Wilder to the VP for Research Innovation Fund. Together, let’s help push the boundaries of knowledge!
0 / 30 Gifts
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Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge
$25,000
Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge
Join NAU Alumnus and Foundation Board Member Bill Heibel, '70 in supporting Venture Studio at NAU. Bill Heibel has generously pledged $25,000 to directly fuel student innovation at Northern Arizona University. His gift will be unlocked after 15 gifts are made to the Venture Studio this Giving Day. Your support empowers students to lead and innovate, shaping a future filled with purpose and impact. Together, let's elevate the next generation of innovators at NAU.
1 / 15 Gifts
Leaderboard
Student Giving Leaderboard
Explore the Student Giving Leaderboard and see how your support is empowering student clubs to thrive. Track participation and celebrate the impact of every gift in elevating our Lumberjack community!"
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Logging Sports 73
2 $750 NAU Axecidentals A Cappella 29
3 $500 NAU Game Design Club 24
4 $250 NAU Headphone Jacks 23
5 Every Dollar Counts: Fund Pain & Sleep Research! 21
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Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
Event
Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
This NAU Giving Day, your Starship Robot delivery might come with more than just food… On May 1, when you order through the Starship Robots, you’ve got a chance to receive surprise NAU Giving Day swag! All day long, random robot deliveries will include awesome swag. Order your favorite campus eats from Sodexo and keep your eyes peeled—your delivery robot might be packing more than just snacks.
Event
Kickstart Giving Day: Scones & Coffee at the HRM Courtyard
Start NAU Giving Day off right with free coffee, mini scones, and a whole lot of Lumberjack spirit! Swing by the School of Hotel & Restaurant Management courtyard on May 1, from 8:00AM-10:00AM, and score a complimentary coffee and mini scone (while supplies last!) to fuel the day. While you're there, grab some Giving Day swag and learn how you can make an impact. Let’s celebrate community, generosity, and everything we love about NAU. See you there!
Event
Cornhole with the Dean Piering: Toss for a Cause!
Celebrate creativity and community this Giving Day with a little friendly competition! Join Julie Piering, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, for a cornhole event with big Giving Day energy! Stop by the lawn in front of the Liberal Arts Building (bldg. 18) on May 1, from 12:00PM–1:00PM, to challenge the Dean to a round (or cheer others on!) while learning how you can support the College of Arts and Letters. Let’s toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day together!
Event
Scoops with Dean Gustafson: A Sweet Giving Day Celebration
What’s better than ice cream and good company? Honors students, swing by the Honors College courtyard on May 1 from 3:00PM-4:30PM to celebrate NAU Giving Day with Dean Kevin Gustafson. Cool treats, and campus spirit! It’s the perfect study break—come chill, chat, and celebrate the impact of giving back (with sprinkles on top)!
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Phoenix at OHSO Brewing + Distillery
Join fellow Jacks in the Phoenix area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. OHSO Brewing + Distillery Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in DC at Crystal City Sports Pub
Join fellow Jacks in the Washington, DC area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. Crystal City Sports Pub Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
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