Northern Michigan University Athletes Raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish
The student-athletes reached the goal during the 2025-26 academic year to earn the right to host an on-campus reveal.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Should college athletic programs prioritize fundraising for community charitable foundations?
Northern Michigan University student-athletes successfully raised $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation throughout the 2025-26 academic year. This milestone allows the university to host an on-campus reveal event as part of a national initiative.
Why it matters
Student-athletes engage in these fundraising efforts to give back to the local communities that support college athletics. The funds help the Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfill its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.
NCAA Division II schools collectively raised over $270,000 for Make-A-Wish during the 2025-26 academic year. This includes $221,000 from individual school contributions and $51,000 from championship and enforcement fines.
The players
Northern Michigan University
This public university located in Marquette, Michigan, sponsors athletic programs that engage in community philanthropy.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
This nonprofit organization arranges experiences for children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
The details
Athletes and fans participated in various initiatives at home athletic games, including donation tables and Miracle Minute activities. These efforts helped Northern Michigan University join a group of 16 schools nationwide that met the criteria to host an official wish reveal.
Timeline
Fundraising took place throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
Fundraising activities occurred at the football game vs. Saginaw Valley State on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.
Donations were collected during the hockey game vs. Michigan Tech on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
This contribution follows a pattern set by the long-standing national partnership between Division II athletics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The initiative has successfully granted more than 700 wishes since its inception in 2003.
The fundraising events provide fans with opportunities to donate during home games, directly impacting the ability of the university to host wish reveals. These activities strengthen the connection between campus athletic programs and the local community.
The takeaway
Community-focused fundraising allows university athletics to serve as a bridge for social support. Readers interested in similar impact can track local university sports calendars to identify upcoming charity events.
What happens next
Fundraising efforts for the 2026-27 athletic season are currently underway at various institutions.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives on our Philanthropy page.
More information
Supporters can contribute to the team effort via the Make-A-Wish online donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mining Journal.
Live Poll
Should college athletic programs prioritize fundraising for community charitable foundations?
