For the North

A Bemidji State University fundraising campaign

For the North

The future of the North starts right here, right now. And it starts with you.

We're launching the second campaign in the history of Bemidji State University. Nearly 10 years after "Imagine Tomorrow" rallied our donors together for BSU's boldest initiative to date, our "For the North" campaign aims to build on the same momentum.

This targeted-initiative campaign emphasizes what we all stand for. It leans into how we can channel our story, our gifts and our experiences for Bemidji State students. We want to ensure they never forget the incredible impact northern Minnesota and our institution have on their lives.

Dear Beavers,

We are delighted that the Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation has announced the public phase of our “For the North” fundraising campaign.

For the North is a bold and visionary three-year campaign to raise $25 million to advance student success, upgrade campus facilities and boost our enrollment efforts. The campaign builds upon our two-year strategic direction plan and centers three strategic priorities for fundraising initiatives:

1. Student Success ($20 million goal)

Currently, 95% of our students receive some form of financial assistance, and increased scholarship support will directly impact their ability to access, persist in, and complete their education.

2. Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence ($3 million goal)

Investments in our physical campus and in our faculty will ensure that BSU continues to deliver top-tier instruction and mentorship in environments that foster innovation, engagement, and pride.

3. Enrollment and Recruitment ($2 million goal)

Strategic support for enrollment marketing and outreach will allow us to better illustrate the power and value of a Bemidji State education — and welcome more students to our community.

This is only the second fundraising campaign in BSU’s 106-year history. Between 2011-16, our “Imagine Tomorrow” campaign raised $36.54 million. We anticipate For the North will reach its $25 million goal in half that time. Since the start of our silent phase on July 1, 2023, we have already secured $19 million toward that goal — a remarkable testament to the passion and belief our supporters have in BSU’s future.

With the launch of the public phase, we are excited to engage the broader community in shaping the future of higher education in our region. This fall, we will invite campus and community members to participate in a variety of events and celebrations including launch activities during Homecoming. We will share more information about these opportunities in the weeks ahead, and we hope you will join us!

For the North is a transformational opportunity, not only for Bemidji State University but for the entire North Woods region. It is about our people, our place, and our shared promise. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who believe in what we do, who we serve, and where we are headed as an institution.

Together, “For the North!”

Sincerely,

John L. Hoffman
President, BSU and NTC

Allyssa "A.J." Joseph
Alumni & Foundation Executive Director

GIVE NOW

Here's Where We Are, and Where You Can Take Us

$0

Total dollars raised of $25 million goal

0

Total Donors

0

Campaign Pillars

What Do You Give For?

The North is more than just Bemidji State University and our region. At the heart of our campaign are a people worth investing in. Through our For the North campaign, you’ll tell us what's meaningful to you by the areas you invest in. Our $25 million initiative has three primary pillars:

Funding Goal: $20 Million

Student Success

Funding Goal: $3 Million

Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence

Funding Goal: $2 Million

Enrollment and Recruitment

For the North means for us all.

Up North, we are teachers and nurses and builders and dreamers who know exactly what direction BSU can take us. A people this driven deserve a North Star, and we’re making sure they know where to find it.

Donate Now

If you're ready now to contribute financially, click a button below to make a donation. Or contact us to learn more about how to make an impact.

Give to Student Success

Give to Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence

Give to Enrollment and Recruitment

Sherill Robinson

“I’m not your typical college student. I’m a lot older. I worked for years before coming here. I saved as much as I could. That’s when the scholarships came in at the perfect time. They filled the gaps that I wouldn’t have been able to cover otherwise.”

Read More >>

Sherill Robinson

Read More >>

Did You Know?

At Bemidji State University, 95% of students receive some sort of financial assistance.

Today, students cannot earn enough in an academic year, or during the summer, to support the full cost of tuition. Many of our students rely on scholarships, work study, family help and student loans to make an education possible. Annual support from alumni, faculty and staff, parents and friends of BSU helps reduce the burden for students trying to balance up to three jobs and keep up with academic studies.

Dollars in Action

Donations you make turn into real, life-changing opportunities for our students. Here are a few examples of why donors give and how students are benefitting.