Today's Leaders for a Brighter Tomorrow

About the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies:

NIU's Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies was created in 2010 to support the nonprofit sector and forge well-rounded groundbreakers.  Through the Center, forward-thinking students attain the indispensable skills like finances and budgeting, as well as those of leadership and critical thinking.  Through its programs, the Center takes a three-legged approach offering an educational curriculum dedicated to student success, research opportunities academically and within the public, and by community engagement connecting students to the public directly.

 The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies is an interdisciplinary center which offers the only program of its kind at a public university throughout the state of Illinois.  The Center's vision is to understand the role nonprofits and NGOs play in our society, analyze social structures to stimulate change, and to serve and improve the lives in the surrounding communities and beyond.  The Center's academics not only offers a bachelor's degree, but students can also attend conferences, workshops, training, and events that will help them develop their nonprofit sector knowledge. Research opportunities offered by the Center gives students and faculty support to better understand the nonprofit sector and build the future leaders we all need. Lastly, the Center’s community engagement gives students, staff and community members an opportunity to participate in internships with local nonprofits and it gives students and others the opportunity to participate in networking events that can end in future employment and leadership roles for students graduating from the Center.            

Invest in Today’s Leaders for a Brighter Tomorrow

Without the generous support from people like you, the promise to these students cannot be fulfilled.  Every dollar donated goes directly to the students who may need that extra financial assistance to graduate or maintain their curriculum for the next semester.  We are now asking for your support to aid every student in finding their potential and becoming the next generation of well-equipped leaders. 

Why We Need Your Support

The Center for Nonprofit and NGO studies plays a pivotal role in a student’s academic life by providing resources for materials like books, financial support in applications and academics, and an overall positive mentorship. These resources aid students to be successful in the classroom, but also in their future careers in the nonprofit sector. It is no secret that excelling in higher education is expensive. As a result, many students cannot afford their education without some form of financial support.