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Funding by Area

The W. A. Franke College of Business

Building business leaders

The W. A. Franke College of Business prepares graduates who lead with confidence, think like entrepreneurs, and strengthen their communities. Our students graduate ready to build businesses, lead nonprofits, launch successful careers, and strengthen Arizona’s economy—all while tackling the challenges facing our communities and shaping a brighter future. Whether you choose to support career readiness, student entrepreneurship, financial literacy, or another area close to your heart, your investment helps turn today’s students into tomorrow’s business leaders.

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ELEVATE access for students

Scholarships

Fundraising goal: $50,000

Every student deserves access to an excellent education—but for many, cost remains the greatest barrier. At The W. A. Franke College of Business, we award nearly $750,000 in scholarships each year and aim to double that to $1.5 million, ensuring that cost never stands in the way of ambition. A gift of $50,000 supports one student for an academic year; $500,000 supports ten. Your generosity opens doors and gives students the freedom to focus on learning.

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Taking students from prototype to pitch

At the NAU Venture Studio, students create practical, scalable solutions.

ELEVATE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Venture Studio

Fundraising goal: $3 million

Housed in Cline Library, the NAU Venture Studio is a hub for students to explore, develop, and commercialize ideas. Here, business, engineering, and design students come together to develop cross-disciplinary solutions to real challenges. Your investment in the studio helps pay for expert mentorship, cutting-edge workshops, and more.

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ELEVATE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

100% Career Ready Initiative

Fundraising goal: $2.6 million

Experience sets our students apart. NAU’s 100% Career Ready Initiative ensures that every student gains the skills, experience, and connections they need to launch their careers with confidence.

Your investment provides flexible funding for:

Career Development Office: Students receive one-on-one career coaching, résumé workshops, employer networking events, and internship placement support.
Business Communication Center: Strong writing and presentation skills are critical in business. This center offers tutoring to help students craft persuasive writing and professional presentations.
Study abroad experiences: Students gain real-world perspective and cultural awareness by studying in international settings, giving them an edge in a globally connected business world.

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Several people in business attire sit in a row at an indoor event, attentively listening, with an American flag and exit signs visible in the background.

ELEVATE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

T. Paul Thomas Center for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship

Fundraising goal: $1 million

By supporting entrepreneurial thinking, donors help students turn bold ideas into real-world impact. The Center for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship equips students to build and lead mission-driven organizations that serve communities and transform lives.

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ELEVATE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Center for Economic Education

Fundraising goal: $750,000

Financial literacy changes lives. The W. A. Franke College of Business Center for Economic Education ensures students, teachers, and communities—especially in rural and Tribal areas—have the tools they need to make informed financial decisions, build economic stability, and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Your support expands access to:

Entrepreneurship training
Teacher training and classroom resources
Community financial education programs

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ELEVATE faculty impact

Endowed Faculty

Fundraising goal: $500,000

Exceptional students need exceptional faculty. Your investment in endowed positions helps The W. A. Franke College of Business recruit and retain accomplished teacher-scholars who inspire students, build meaningful community partnerships, and generate research that informs real change.