Northern Illinois University Athletics and the Huskie Athletic Fund (HAF) reached record fundraising numbers during the 2025-26 fiscal year as Huskie friends, fans, alumni and supporters rallied to support NIU Athletics as it enters into a new era.

“Year after year, I continue to be amazed by the levels of support that Huskie Nation provides to NIU Athletics,” said NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier. “As college athletics continues to evolve, that support becomes more critical than ever, and our supporters once again answered the call. I would also like to thank our HAF staff, Executive Associate Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer Chris Barker and Senior Associate Athletic Director TJ Feuerbach, for their tremendous work and leadership in these efforts and I look forward to continued success as we enter a transformational time for Huskie Athletics in the Mountain West, Horizon League and Pac-12.”

During the most recent school year, the HAF added 420-plus new distinct donors, setting a new membership record. HAF membership saw a 28 percent growth from the 2025 fiscal year and a seven percent growth on NIU’s previous record, which was set in 2006.

HAF recorded a nearly eight percent increase in total dollars raised compared to the 2025 fiscal year, helping NIU Athletics reach a new 10-year high.

The total number of gifts to the HAF grew by just over 30 percent during fiscal year 2026 compared to the previous year, which included a 17 percent growth in sport specific giving, setting a new record, breaking the previous mark which was set last year.

Among the individual sport programs, 14 maintained or increased their level of donor participation compared to fiscal year 2025 while 12 increased their total giving amount. NIU also had its highest number of unrestricted donors since 2012.

“The growth and success of our fundraising efforts would not be possible without the amazing NIU community that is so supportive of Huskie Athletics,” said NIU Executive Associate Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer Chris Barker. “I would also like to thank the HAF staff, and all the coaches for their tireless efforts, along with our campus partners in the NIU Foundation; we could not achieve any of our fundraising successes without the outstanding people making it happen.”

As NIU Athletics enters a new era, with the Huskies competing in the Mountain West, Horizon League and Pac-12, the Huskie brand reaches across five time zones, ensuring maximum exposure and creating attractive opportunities for both philanthropic and corporate investment.

The generosity of Huskie supporters is essential to compete at the highest level in these new conferences. We remain deeply grateful for the passion and commitment of the NIU community and will continue to focus on revenue generation in support of our student-athlete quality of experience during a continually evolving time in college athletics.

For more information or to make a donation to the Huskie Athletic Fund, contact us at (815) 753-1923 or HuskieAthleticFund@niu.edu.