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NACA Foundation

Funding the future of Campus Activities & belonging.

The NACA® Foundation was established in 1982 to develop and provide educational programs and services for college and university students, professional staff and others who work in the field of student activities. Click "Donate" below to launch the donation widget or go here.

Current Fundraising Initiatives

Note: The Givebutter donation platform allows you to cover your donation’s processing fees and add an optional tip—both of which you can adjust during the donation process—helping us use the platform at no cost.

NACA Live 2026 Foundation Initiatives

Trivia Tournament Trivia Tournament

Are you and your NACA colleagues up for a no-holds-bar, complex, and exciting trivia contest for the record books?  Then we encourage you to join in at NACA Live at the NACA Foundation Trivia Contest. Let's see who can secure bragging rights as NACA Live trivia champion for another year!

Trivia will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center-Short North Ballroom following the Recognition Celebration.  Our contest will start at 9:30 pm for all those registered to play.  Spectators can register now and onsite at the trivia contest.

  • Team Registration: $125 for up to 5 players
  • Individual Registration: $25
  • Spectator Ticket: $10

Sign up here or use the widget on this webpage.

Sunday Fun Night Sunday Fun Night

Sunday Fun Night for Campus Staff and Associate Members to benefit the NACA Foundation is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Pins Mechanical Company, 141 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215. 

This bowling event will start at 8:00pm - 10:00pm.  Come as you are and no need to worry about renting bowling shoes or equipment. Age limit 21+.

General Admission $20

Sign up here or use the widget on this webpage.

 

 

Michelle Whited - Founders Award Michelle Whited - Founders Award
Donate in honor of Michelle Whited

NACA and the NACA Foundation are thrilled to honor Michelle Whited as the 2026 Founders Award recipient. The award exemplifies the best in our field, and we are excited to be able to publicly recognize her for her outstanding work. You may consider her a colleague, mentor, former supervisor, friend, or longtime NACA role model. If you would like to make a donation to the NACA Foundation in Michelle's honor, you can do so on this page. On behalf of NACA and the NACA Foundation, thank you for joining us in recognizing Michelle as the best in our field.

Michelle Whited, Associate Dean of Students at Illinois State University, brings over 30 years of experience in Student Affairs, specializing in student activities, leadership development, and providing care and support to students. She has maintained a longstanding commitment to professional service and leadership within the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Her contributions include serving as National Volunteer Coordinator, 2016 National Convention Chairperson, Illiana and Mid-America Regional Coordinator, and Education Advisory Group Chairperson. In recognition of her impact, she has received the Mid-America Region Janet Carl Smith Award and has been inducted into the Mid-America Hall of Fame.

Use the widget on this page or go here to donate.

 

 

Support the Foundation

When you support the Foundation, you are a part of something really special: a community dedicated to developing knowledgeable and innovative leaders through research and scholarship. Since 1982, our donors’ belief in the NACA® Foundation as a valuable community asset has made it possible to award numerous scholarships, research grants, and professional development opportunities to members of the campus activities community. We take great pride in our mission and accomplishments, and with your continued support, we can persist in advancing the field of campus activities. The Foundation currently offers a variety of scholarships to assist undergraduate students, graduate students, professional staff and associate members in pursuing educational interests and career development.

Ranen Miao
Serving my campus through student government has been an honor and a privilege, and the opportunity to organize events that impact so many has been deeply gratifying. This award offers me the opportunity to continue serving the student body through my extracurricular commitments instead of work.

Ranen Miao

Yanellie Chapa
Through this scholarship, I will be able to fund my path to law school and reach my goal of graduating from law school. My aspirations in life are to become a successful attorney and provide attainable legal service to my community.

Yanellie Chapa

Elizabeth Piwowarski
This scholarship helps me to pursue my chosen career path without worrying about the financial burden. It further enables me to fulfill my ambitions that have been the driving forces in my academic and personal life; namely, to pursue my love of the sciences and my desire to significantly impact the lives of others.

Elizabeth Piwowarski

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the NACA Foundation is to support the National Association for Campus Activities in expanding opportunities within the community of higher education.  The NACA Foundation will act as a conduit for philanthropic engagement with donors and outside partners to provide accessible opportunities for scholarship, research and education.

Vision Statement

The NACA Foundation will serve as the bridge connecting the Association’s history and future direction and will be recognized as the preeminent organization in advancing research and support for the field of campus activities in higher education.  

Mission Statement

NACA Foundation cultivates resources for research and educational programs as they build affinity, engage and expand the number of individuals who support and are supported with professional development and educational opportunities.