Lumberjacks near and far will unite on April 14 to participate in the third annual NAU Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraising event and a chance to spread Axe of Kindness. Just one Axe of Kindness can turn into 365 days of impact for NAU, its students, faculty and the world.
“NAU Giving Day is important because it is an opportunity to bring our NAU family together to support new projects, important initiatives and most importantly, current Lumberjack students,” said Megan Gray, assistant director, digital fundraising.
Alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty, staff and others are encouraged to show their Lumberjack pride, make a gift, show kindness and spread the word.
“We’ve all been impacted in some way by philanthropy, and whether on the giving end or the receiving end, it’s important to share these stories of impact,” Gray said. “All gifts matter and really do make a difference. We will have social media challenges throughout the day, folks can share their stories, show their Lumberjack pride and have opportunities to win funding to support what matters most to them at NAU.”
Ways to support your Lumberjacks
Big or small, every gift matters. The first 1,000 gifts of $60 or more will receive a pair of limited-edition NAU-themed socks.
“Dollars raised on NAU Giving Day go directly to fund projects, programs, scholarship and so much more—directly impacting every aspect of the NAU experience,” Gray said. “Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate being a Lumberjack.”
Last year, 514 gifts were made to NAU Emergency Response Funds, and more than $74,000 went directly to help Lumberjack students, faculty and staff in need. People interested in donating money to those in need can find three emergency funds:
- LEAF COVID-19 fund, which provides micro-grants to students who are struggling to pay rent, acquire a computer so they can do online classes or pay for health care. Students who need to apply for a LEAF grant can visit the Dean of Students website.
- Louie’s Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry, which started as a student project in 2012, has seen an increase in visitors.
- NAU Rapid Response Fund, which was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides funds to student programs, scholarships and research when the regular avenues are disrupted so NAU’s mission of student success and world-renowned research can continue.
Additionally, there are more than 50 challenges or matches set up where donors have offered to match a certain donation amount directed to a specific college, opportunity or fund. This offers the chance to double or even triple the impact of each gift.
But gifts aren’t the only way to get involved. Share those Axe of Kindness and support a local business by purchasing a gift card or take-out, volunteer with ongoing pandemic efforts or local organizations, donate blood or write a thank-you note to a hardworking community member.
Finally, get out your True Blue and Gold gear, snap a picture and post it on social media. Share your Lumberjack story, why you’re giving back and words of wisdom or Lumberjack pride. Be sure to include #AxeOfKindness and #NAUGivingDay to show support. For social media post ideas and templates, download the #NAUGivingDay social media toolkit.
Visit the NAU Giving Day webpage for more details and to donate to the available challenges. To view all opportunities and funds that can be supported, go to the NAU Foundation webpage.
