The board of Northwest University underwent a restructuring process to increase engagement and fundraising success. This involved reducing board size from 21 to 13 members, recruiting top stakeholders, and rebuilding to 23 members over two years. As a result, annual giving to the Opportunity Fund increased from $282,000 to $546,000, and combined university giving grew from $1.1 million to $1.9 million over three years. Trustees became more involved through events, challenges, and each pledging a minimum of $5,000 annually.

1. Past, Present & Future:
The Outstanding Success of
Restructuring the Board
at NW University
Justin Kawabori
Executive Director
Wealth Management
Connection Series

2. Northwest University: Who We Are
• Northwest University is a regionally accredited, Christian
institution awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and
doctoral degrees. Located in Kirkland, Washington, we
have been preparing students to lead in their careers since
1934 and offer a variety of degree programs to meet the
needs of an ever‐changing society.
• Our traditional undergraduate experience includes over 70
majors and programs—as well as off‐campus internships—
to equip students for success in their careers. With our
adult evening program, working adults can earn their
degree by attending class on campus just one night each
week. And our online degree programs provide the
flexibility of classes that can be accessed anytime,
anywhere.

3. NWU ‐ Mission Statement
We, the people of Northwest University, carry
the call of God by continually building a
learning community dedicated to spiritual
vitality, academic excellence, and empowered
engagement with human need.

4. NWU Foundation: Who We Are
The Northwest University Foundation is a
committed community of highly successful, like‐
minded people, dedicated to the impact and
blessings of Christian higher education; offering
their treasure, growing relationships, providing
expertise and leading by example.

5. Northwest University Foundation
Mission:
The Foundation equips the University to fulfill its
divine calling, praying for its members and projects,
promoting the University to the general public,
raising major funding for current and future
initiatives, and managing endowments for annual
and future success.
Vision:
The Foundation exists to fund the call and carry out
the University’s mission through strategic
leadership in giving and investment.

6. Northwest University Foundation
Value:
The Foundation Trustees, working with the Foundation Chairman,
Executive Director, and NU Development staff, will help to establish
the resources and execute the strategic plans for necessary
fundraising, resource procurement, and major donor engagement to
advance the mission and vision of the University.
Strategy:
• Build and maintain a strong annual fund (The Opportunity Fund)
through new donor acquisition via cultivation and special events;
• Lead capital campaigns to develop University facilities, including
buildings, equipment, and technology; and,
• Establish strong endowments, ensuring the University’s future
prosperity through the promotion of estate giving.

7. Expectation of Trustee Membership
• Treasure: $5,000 annual minimum investment goal for each Trustee
(to lead by example);
• Relationships: Each Trustee will aspire to help broaden NU’s donor
and investment base through a goal of six‐annual sphere‐of‐
influence appointments (from his or her networks);
• Example: A commitment from each Trustee to participate in the
annual meeting, university events and service on one standing
committee to remain engaged in the work of the Board;
• Expertise: Involvement in the life of the university, including guest
lecturing, mentoring students, offering internships, training staff,
teaching classes, and collaborating with each other, modeling
Foundation leadership and embodying the University’s ideals.

8. Why Restructure?
• Board of Advocates.
• Community Partners.
• Expand our Sphere of Influence.
• Grow our Donor Base.

9. Where We’ve Been
• Active Investment Committee.
• Annual Meeting.
• Little Board Engagement / Participation.
• Little Generosity.

10. Board Restructure Process
• Research (best in class).
• Consultant (board expert).
• Mission / Vision Refresh.
• Sell the Vision.
• Engage Prospective Stakeholders.

11. NW University Trustee Board

12. Results and Comparison
• 21 Members Reduced to 13 (3‐months)
• Recruit Top‐3 Stakeholders (3‐months)
• Rebuild via Recruitment to 23 (2‐years)
• FY 2012: $17,300 average annual giving
(3‐years)
• FY 2015: $240,000

13. Process
• “Experience Economy”.
• Team Concept (Kemp Example).
• Build Community (fellowship).
• Partner in the Work (involvement).
• Achievement (celebrate results).

14. Example: 2015 President’s Banquet
• 17 of 21 Trustees Participated;
• 8 sponsored the event and brought new
prospective donor partners;
• 6 other Trustees attended (some brought guests);
• 3 contributed but could not attend;
• Total Trustee (plus guest) dollars = $62,230 (out
of $103,000 gross)
• A Trustee made the “Ask”.
• Another Trustee was celebrated as Alumnus of
the Year.

15. Example: 2015 Trustee Challenge
(CYE Campaign)
• Trustees committed $25,000 for gift match.
• Board of Directors inspired to match ($60,300)
• Alumni base contributed $65,000+
• Total CYE Giving: $150,000+
• Combined Result: BEST Q4 EVER!

16. 3‐Year Results
• Opportunity Fund: $282,000 to $546,000.
• Combined Giving: $1.1 to $1.9 million.
• Active Board of Advocates.

17. Opportunity Fund Summary

18. Combined Giving Summary

19. Questions & Answer
Wealth Management
Connection Series
Justin Kawabori
Executive Director

20. Notes
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21. Notes
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