Northern Arizona University’s eighth annual Giving Day brought together more than 1,000 donors and raised $1.22 million—supporting students, programs, and priorities across the university.
Among the many challenges that helped build that momentum, one stood out for its local focus: a first-time participation challenge between the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County.
City of Flagstaff employees led the challenge with 57 unique donors contributing 61 gifts, raising $8,145. Coconino County followed with 28 unique donors and 35 gifts totaling $1,593. Together, the two organizations brought in 85 donors and 96 gifts—many from individuals participating in NAU Giving Day for the first time.
The idea for the challenge came from Heidi Hansen, ’91. As economic vitality director for the City of Flagstaff and a former president of the NAU Alumni Association Board of Directors,
Hansen oversees efforts spanning airport, economic development, tourism, library, beautification, arts and sciences, and parking—work that closely intersects with NAU’s role in the region’s economy.
Drawing on past City–County collaborations, Hansen proposed a friendly competition to the NAU Foundation and Flagstaff City Manager Joanne Keene, ’96, ’11.
With the winner determined by participation rather than dollar amounts, the inaugural City of Flagstaff vs. Coconino County Challenge was designed to bring new donors into NAU Giving Day and build broader community engagement.
“It just made sense to find a creative way to get more people involved,” says Hansen. “It was about putting NAU Giving Day on peoples’ radar and then letting them see how their impact makes a difference.”
Hansen worked alongside NAU Alumni Association Board member and fellow City of Flagstaff employee Paul Oltrogge, ’21.
The approach worked. Across departments and offices, employees gave to areas that mattered to them—sometimes to programs they had been part of, and sometimes to services supporting current students.
“We saw people participate who have never participated in NAU Giving Day before,” Hansen says. “That’s what’s exciting.”
Many gifts supported direct student needs, including programs like Louie’s Cupboard, which provides food and essential items to students.
“Even a $5 donation can help a student get what they need,” Hansen says. “When people understand that, they want to help.”
According to Hansen, supporting NAU is also an investment in the long-term economic vitality of the city, adding that NAU graduates help shape the region’s workforce.
“Our students are everything. We want them to stay and grow here,” says Hansen.
The NAU Foundation sees the City vs. County challenge as more than a one-time effort. The goal is to build it into an annual tradition—one that continues to grow participation and deepen the connection between NAU and the communities it serves.
On a day built around collective generosity, this local participation helped fuel the momentum behind one of NAU’s most successful Giving Days to date.
Giving Day is one of many ways alumni, employees, and community members are helping support Elevate, NAU’s $300 million fundraising campaign focused on expanding student access, advancing academic excellence, and strengthening the university’s impact across Arizona and beyond. Learn more about the campaign and ways to get involved.
