Your generous support of Bemidji State University makes an incredible impact on our students, the community and the world.
Why does BSU need money?
BSU’s Lakeside Fund allows us to keep BSU as affordable as possible by providing for student scholarships, as well as helping with general campus needs. This fund requires support on an annual basis, which is why it is referred to as an “annual fund.”
The Lakeside Fund is not tied to any specific project — it goes to the area of greatest need on campus, as determined by the president. But with over 82% of current students receiving financial aid, one of our greatest needs will always be to keep BSU affordable through scholarship support.
Here are a few more reasons:
State funds currently cover approximately 37% of BSU’s total operating budget. Combined with tuition, this is simply not enough to continue to provide a transformational education for our students. That is why philanthropy is so important!
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.
Most gifts to the university are directed toward specific schools, programs or departments. Annual, expendable gifts provide the university with flexibility to address the greatest needs on campus, which includes admission scholarships.
BSU recognizes this importance of providing guidance, resources and services to ensure academic success for these students.
Federal support for university research is significant, but it's been on the decline for years. The current budget environments make this funding increasingly precarious.
The average gift to BSU is $100. Together these gifts add up to thousands of dollars in support. Your participation is incredibly important!