About the Campaign

FORWARD is the largest fundraising campaign in our history, mobilizing $300 million to propel student success, faculty excellence and community impact.

Our Campaign is a bold, comprehensive effort to strengthen the university’s mission of empowering students through educational excellence and experiential learning. By investing in student success, faculty achievement and community engagement, we aim to break down barriers to education and amplify NIU’s regional and global impact. Together with our supporters, we’re building a future where opportunity knows no bounds.

Campaign Commitments

Our three commitments—Expanding Transformational Experiences, Inspiring Discovery and Innovation and Fortifying our Future—define the bold priorities at the heart of FORWARD: The Campaign for NIU. Each commitment is clear in purpose, aspirational in vision and designed to inspire big thinking.

Landscape image of NIU campus with NIU flags

Fun image of NIU students with the NIU letters on campus

Marquee Projects

Marquee Projects are ambitious, university-wide initiatives that reflect the bold spirit of the FORWARD Campaign. Aligned with our campaign commitments, they deliver tangible results—such as new facilities or programs—and drive transformational impact beyond the scope of any single department. These projects elevate NIU’s leadership and inspire visionary philanthropic investment.