Global Huskies Fund

A Project by International Affairs

International Affairs is a team dedicated to supporting students, staff, and faculty traveling to or from NIU for educational experiences as well as integrating global perspectives throughout the curriculum.

We are raising money to support students who need to stay in the area during winter break, either in the dorms or in nearby apartments. We anticipate more students may stay during winter break this year, including international students whose visas may be restricted to the single entry that brought them to campus for their studies.

We will send a message to students and work with housing to identify those staying in the Dekalb/Sycamore area during winter break either on or off campus.

Donors who are committed to supporting Global Huskies should support our project. Their contributions will importantly meet student needs and support their sense of belonging. International affairs staff will collaborate with others across campus, including housing, student affairs, and academic success staff, to plan a series of activities and meals for students, such as:

Game night, bowling tournament, museum outing, or movie viewing.
Food to prepare together for shared meals, including during holidays that occur throughout winter break when students and volunteers can also share stories and traditions with one another.

This year, final examinations end on December 13 and classes resume on January 12, a period of four weeks. Administrative closures and holiday closures occur in the two weeks from December 20 to January 4.

In the first and fourth week of winter break, international affairs staff will be available to host activities.
For the second and third week, international affairs staff will plan itineraries and recruit participants in advance.
- Recommended itineraries might include tickets to an event in downtown Chicago and instructions for how to use the bus system to get to the train in Elburn to get to downtown Chicago and back.
- Building on what we did during COVID, we may also support those who need to stay on or near campus with a local gift certificate to have a nice meal at a restaurant, again supporting with local transit options.
- We will also coordinate with the office of outreach, engagement, and regional development to work with local community organizations as well as working with housing, student affairs, and academic success staff to identify volunteers to support activities and meals during the period of administrative closures.

The project’s impact will be reducing students’ feelings of loneliness and isolation and increasing their social connections during winter break. Donors can have a lasting impact on these students lives, not only supporting them in this period but also helping them make new friends and get to know staff and volunteers in new ways that can support them throughout their time at NIU.

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$10

Supplies for Activities

Support supplies for group activities, such as winter/holiday themed crafting supplies!

$50

Local Transit

Help international students be out and about to avoid any seasonal doldrums during winter break

$150

Snacks at Activities

Support snacks to make events more nourishing and enjoyable!

$250

Local group event

Help support international students attending a local event together, such as a concert, movie, or sledding.

$500

Exploring the NIU region

Help make it possible for groups of international students to explore the towns in the NIU region, experiencing the sights and sounds of the magical winter break time of year!

$1,000

Chicago excursion

Help make it possible for groups of international students to travel downtown to enjoy a taste of holiday Chicago and its winter wonderlands!

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FAQ

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

The Northern Illinois University Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable contributions to the NIU Foundation are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card will be charged immediately upon finalizing your gift on the site.

When will I receive my receipt?
Your receipt will be emailed once your online donation has been completed.

Who should I contact with questions about my contribution?

Please contact the Northern Illinois University Foundation Gift Processing Department at gift processing@niu.edu.