continuing, and completing their education. Our mission and vision guide how we raise funds, steward donor support,
and measure impact.
Our Mission
The NAU Foundation raises and stewards philanthropic support, primarily through scholarships,
to help adult learners at National American University begin, continue, and complete their education.
Through responsible fundraising, grant development, and donor engagement, the Foundation supports students
at critical points in their academic journey. Our work is aligned with University priorities and focused on outcomes
that strengthen persistence, completion, and opportunity.
Our Vision
We envision a future where financial barriers do not prevent adult learners from completing their education
and advancing their personal and professional goals.
What Guides Our Work
- Scholarship-first focus: Scholarships are the Foundation’s primary mechanism for impact.
- Student completion: Priority is given to reducing barriers that delay or prevent graduation.
- Donor stewardship: Contributions are managed responsibly and in accordance with donor intent.
- Alignment with NAU: The Foundation works with University leadership to support student needs.
Our History
The NAU Foundation was formed in 1997 with a singular purpose that remains unchanged today:
to provide scholarship support to students of National American University.
From its earliest days, the Foundation has focused exclusively on raising and stewarding funds
to help students begin, continue, and complete their education. It has never operated as a multi-purpose
charitable organization. Scholarship support has always been, and continues to be, its sole mission.
In its early years, much of the Foundation’s financial support came from contributions made by the Buckingham family,
their affiliated businesses, and supporters closely connected to NAU. As the Foundation matured, efforts expanded to include
outreach to local vendors, community supporters, and alumni, particularly in Rapid City, South Dakota. These broader
fundraising efforts helped strengthen the Foundation’s standing as a public charity and reinforced its long-term sustainability.
At its peak, annual scholarship distributions approached $150,000. Since 2015 alone, the Foundation has awarded
more than $800,000 in scholarships. With most awards averaging approximately $1,000, that support has helped
more than 800 students move closer to graduation.
Throughout its history, scholarship funds have been allocated in alignment with university priorities and student needs.
Awards have supported new students, students approaching graduation, academic excellence initiatives, alumni pursuing
continued education, technology access such as Chromebook support, and other categories designed to attract and retain students.
While the emphasis has evolved over time, the goal has remained consistent: reduce financial barriers so students can complete their degrees.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Historically composed of five to seven members,
the Board continues to provide stewardship and oversight of all funds raised and distributed. Today, with renewed
collaboration and engagement alongside university leadership, the NAU Foundation is actively revitalizing its
fundraising efforts to expand scholarship impact for the next generation of NAU students.
Nearly three decades after its formation, the mission remains simple and focused: student scholarships.
Every gift contributes directly to that purpose.