student success, persistence, and degree completion while strengthening connections between education
and workforce opportunity.
Our Strategic Focus
Scholarships remain the Foundation’s primary vehicle for impact. We prioritize financial support for adult learners
who face barriers that could delay or prevent them from completing their education, particularly at critical points
near graduation.
In addition to direct student support, the Foundation seeks opportunities to align its fundraising efforts
with broader workforce readiness goals shared by employers, community leaders, and industry partners.
Priority Areas
- Student completion and persistence:
Directing scholarship support to adult learners at risk of stopping out due to financial constraints,
with an emphasis on degree completion. - Workforce-aligned partnerships:
Engaging with employers, companies, and community leaders across the regions NAU serves to identify shared
priorities around education, training, and workforce readiness for adult learners. - Targeted fundraising and grants:
Pursuing donor contributions and grant opportunities that support measurable student outcomes and align with
workforce and economic mobility goals. - Donor stewardship:
Ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible management of all contributions in accordance with donor intent.
Working with Employers and Community Leaders
The NAU Foundation recognizes that education and workforce readiness are closely connected.
Many employers and community organizations share a commitment to preparing adults with the skills, credentials,
and competencies needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Where interests align, the Foundation supports fundraising initiatives and donor relationships that advance educational
access and workforce readiness for adult learners. These efforts may include employer-supported scholarships,
industry-aligned grant opportunities, or community-based giving initiatives focused on upskilling and career advancement.
How We Work
The Foundation collaborates with National American University leadership to align fundraising priorities with student needs
while maintaining independent governance and fiduciary responsibility.
By focusing on defined priorities and working with partners who share a commitment to adult education and workforce readiness,
the NAU Foundation aims to use donor resources effectively and sustainably to create meaningful impact.