On Monday, March 11, The Northland College Board of Trustees launched an urgent fundraising appeal to raise $12 million by April 3, 2024 to avoid closure of the nation’s first environmentally-focused liberal arts institution and reimagine its future. In response, Northland community members have asked questions, shared stories, made donations, and provided input—all in an effort to better understand this critical need and support it where possible.
Northland leadership continues to have conversations with members of the community, including an important campus meeting this past weekend with a group of leaders representing students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Trustees. This meeting reinforced our shared purpose and commitment to work together on behalf of Northland and its mission.
Now in the second week of the fundraising appeal, there is an opportunity to provide additional information, answer key questions, and share ways the community can get involved and take action.
Answers to Key Questions
How did Northland get to this point?
Last week’s announcement felt abrupt to many. The reality is that Northland has been struggling for a long time to find a sustainable solution despite aggressively exploring options. Northland is not alone in this struggle. Colleges and universities—especially private institutions—across the country are facing immense financial strain. A recent deep financial review confirmed Northland’s deficit was worse than anticipated due to declining enrollment, growing costs, and the loss of key funding sources.
Why choose a fundraising appeal instead of closing?
Many schools—including several in Wisconsin in recent years—have chosen to close with little warning. There is significant support and commitment for Northland. So many people believe in its mission, and College leadership, including the Board of Trustees, knew it was essential to do everything possible to save it through this final appeal.
What does a future Northland look like if the appeal is successful?
Input from the community is needed to ideate and create the vision together. Northland cannot stay the same as it is today—it is not feasible or sustainable. Examples of what the future of Northland could be: a continuation of the College with a more refined environmental focus, or an expansion of the work of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and the other centers. The College hopes to build around its mission, values, and areas of excellence—the things that are quintessentially Northland. Faculty are partnering with students, staff, and community members to gather input, ideas, and inspiration.
How will the $12 million be used?
These funds would support an additional academic year, giving Northland the time, resources, and runway to define and transition to a more sustainable model.
Can my donation be refunded if Northland does not reach the $12 million goal?
We are heartened by many supporters expressing interest in donating to this fundraising appeal to support Northland. If the total raised is less than $12 million, we still have significant needs for whatever lesser amount is given or pledged, all of which further the mission of Northland, including the costs of completing the current semester, faculty and staff compensation, and ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds. But we understand that some of you may be only making donations based on our reaching the $12 million goal, and therefore would expect a refund. If so, we ask that you provide us with a written request for a refund within thirty days of our public announcement of the total amount raised. We will then process this refund, reducing the refunded amount by charges we incurred in collecting the original donation.
Opportunities to Get Involved
In the coming weeks, several opportunities will be available for the community to support Northland and provide input. Following is an overview of what is planned this week:
- March 20: Board of Trustees member Jaime Moquin (’98) is partnering with faculty and staff to gather stories and ideas for Northland’s future at a visioning session this Wednesday, March 20. The session will build upon initial ideas generated at a campus meeting on Monday, March 18. This visioning session will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Alvord Theatre, and all are welcome to attend.
- March 22: The City of Ashland is hosting a Save Northland Party and Fundraiser at the Bretting Community Center on Friday, March 22, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Another important way for people to help is by sharing personal stories and reaching out to individual networks. Helping others understand what makes Northland special is a powerful way to inspire giving, ideas and support. Donations can be made via Northland’s website.
Northland is committed to providing ongoing updates on its website and social media channels as additional events and opportunities are scheduled. The College will also provide answers to questions and fundraising updates as they become available.