UNI launches Our Tomorrow fundraising campaign

Since its founding as the Iowa State Normal School in 1876, the University of Northern Iowa has constantly evolved to meet the needs of the community, state of Iowa and beyond. Now, the university is calling on alumni and friends to give toward the largest fundraising campaign in the university's 146-year history to build the UNI that is needed by the state of Iowa tomorrow.

"This ambitious and historic campaign will lay the foundation for the future of this institution," said UNI President Mark A. Nook."Through investments in our students, faculty and staff, our academic programs and learning spaces, we are ensuring the promise and power of a UNI education not just for students today, but for the generations to come. We're grateful to our incredible alumni and friends who have stepped up to support this campaign and we're looking forward to getting others involved."

Direct investments in students are the heart of the campaign, with a goal of creating a path to opportunity for many more students. More than 360 new scholarships have been established thus far through Our Tomorrow. By 2026, the university hopes to raise over $76 million for scholarships and an additional $13.5 million to support internships, undergraduate research and other ways for students to directly apply what they have learned in the classroom.  The UNI Foundation administers the funds for scholarships supported by private gifts. Scholarship recipients are selected in accordance with the guidelines and restrictions established by the donor at the time the gift was received.

Since its founding, UNI has adapted to meet the needs of the Cedar Valley, state and the country. Investments in innovative and transformative programs will power UNI's enduring spirit of innovation. Direct support for faculty will ensure UNI continues to recruit and retain teacher-scholars who make the university and its students successful. 

The university hopes to secure the $250 million goal by its sesquicentennial in 2026. Two of UNI’s iconic buildings, and Iowa landmarks, will also celebrate milestones in 2026; the year marks the Campanile's 100th anniversary and the UNI-Dome's 50th.  Both will receive significant upgrades, as will the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, as part of the Our Tomorrow campaign.

More information about the Our Tomorrow campaign can be found at ourtomorrow.uni.edu.

Did You Know? The UNI Foundation, established in 1959, is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization separate from the university and is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. The mission of the UNI Foundation is to grow and sustain private resources and build relationships to support UNI, its students, faculty, staff and programs.

Private support provides funds for scholarships, capital projects and for academic and student service programs. Each gift is used for the purpose designated by the donor. Gifts to the UNI Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. The foundation transfers funds to the university for the purposes specified by the donor, and the university's business office then monitors the expenditure of these funds. An independent audit by a certified public accounting firm is performed each year in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards.

Approximately 95% of the funds UNI receives are designated by donors for specific purposes. A "Statement of Gift Intent" is created with the donor to specify uses of the funds.