With Love, From Your Fellow Students
While applications to the UND Angel Fund poured in from their peers, one student organization decided to take action.
The UND Nonprofit Leadership Student Organization (NLSO) was planning their spring fundraiser when the pandemic broke out, putting all campus activities on hold.
But the momentum they gained as a newly resurrected student organization continued. Virtual meetings were held over the summer to discuss the best way the group could support local nonprofits through the COVID-19 crisis.
Michelle Nguyen, a UND senior majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor
in Nonprofit Leadership, serves as the Organization’s president. She recalled the
virtual meeting in which the group, growing restless from quarantining and wanting
to take action, came up with an idea.
“Nonprofits were hurting more than anything because a lot of them lacked the resources
– and sometimes the funds – to continue. We decided it wouldn’t hurt us to donate
what we had raised over the last few years because we’d fundraise it all back in the
fall. But these people were hurting much more than our organization was, so we decided
to do the philanthropic thing.”
The group made a list of local nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives to consider.
At the top of their list was the UND Angel Fund. “When I heard about its purpose to
help students in need, I thought, ‘What a great idea. And such a cute name, too!’”
said Michelle.
Last school year, the NLSO learned about significant gaps in services and barriers
that make it hard for someone to pursue goals, like earning a degree. The UND Angel
Fund – created in partnership between the UND Alumni Association & Foundation and
the Division of Student Affairs & Diversity – helps reduce these barriers by awarding
funds to students who qualify.
The UND Angel Fund has had a continual flow of donations since its launch in April.
Over $170,000 has been raised and more than 200 students have received an average
gift of $689. However, after the latest round of awards, the funds are nearly depleted.
NEW LOOK, SAME VISION
At a kickoff meeting last fall, a small group of students sat around a table and committed to reinstate the student-led nonprofit group that had disbanded several years prior. They created a new constitution and mapped out new goals. Michelle volunteered to serve as president and help revive the original vision.
The NLSO has since grown from eight members to over 20 participating in monthly meetings.
Together, they represent over 34 clubs on campus and organizations within the community.
On top of required monthly meetings, they have attended conferences, held fundraisers
and community service projects that are made possible, Michelle noted, by the support
from alumni and friends of the University of North Dakota. Professional development
opportunities and guest speakers equip the members for real-life experiences and all
aspects of philanthropic giving.
The Organization’s mission is to prepare students for future leadership positions
in the nonprofit sector, but many of them are already involved. One member started
his own nonprofit, many have interned at one, and others like Michelle are volunteering
because of the help they’ve received from them. All members share an interest in philanthropy
and the difference it can make.
“We live, breathe and talk about nonprofits, but our biggest focus is to give back
with our time, talent, and treasure locally,” Michelle explained. As one of the only
student groups that has made a gift to the UND Angel Fund, the NLSO is putting their
nonprofit leadership training to practice.
“This was probably the most rewarding thing I did all year. How cool is it that we
were able to foster that conversation as college students, but then also to activate
the things that we have learned through nonprofit work?” said Michelle. “And to see
what alumni have done with the Angel Fund – being a part of it almost made me feel
like I am already one of them!”
In addition to the Angel Fund, there are many opportunities to donate toward scholarships for UND students.
