The 2027 Project
In 2027, Nelson University will celebrate 100 years of equipping Spirit-empowered leaders for this moment. As a fun, faithful family, the University invites you to contribute to the success of this once-in-a-century initiative.
Join us over the next five years in our bold initiative to reconnect alumni back with Nelson University, share stories of Nelson University’s worldwide impact, and bolster the financial foundation for Nelson University’s next 100 years. Our goal by 2027 is $5 million dollars. Below you can see our progress.
The 2027 Project incorporates both fundraising and campus & community projects: What will your part be?
Fundraising Goals
| Initiative | Year 1 | Year 2 | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Giving Day | $64,844 | $82,671 | $147,515 |
| First Gifts | $9,261 | $7,701 | $16,962 |
| Feedback for Good | $20,342 | $20,342 | |
| Lions Helping Lions | $16,806 | $16,806 | |
| Century Society | $31,262 | $32,962 | $64,224 |
| Regents Society | $6,276 | $7,183 | $13,459 |
| Siglo Society | $1,986 | $6,425 | $15,100 |
| Church Pillars | $8,775 | $6,325 | $15,100 |
| Church Leadership Scholarships | $239,007 | $492,704 | $731,801 |
| Echo Society | $859,750 | $814,947 | $1,674,697 |
| Golf Classic | $39,495 | $39,495 | |
| Pave the Way | $24,896 | $24,896 | |
| Sports Venue | $42,700 | $407,337 | $450,037 |
| Shaping the Future Gala | $170,000 | $170,000 | |
| Total | $1,301,009 | $2,092,736 | $3,393,745 |
Become a part of the 2027 Project
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of Nelson University as we celebrate 100 years of equipping Spirit-empowered leaders. Your participation in the 2027 Project is essential to achieving our bold vision. Explore the 12 initiatives below to see how you can make a difference—whether through giving or getting involved. Together, we can honor Nelson University’s legacy, amplify its worldwide impact, and secure its next century of growth and success. Will you help us reach our $5 million goal? Your support matters now more than ever.
A student-led campaign. Nelson University Residential Life (RezLife) challenges students to give $100,000 to the University by the end of the 2027 Project. How? By partnering with the innovative company Hundred X, Nelson University students give feedback on brands they use and generate $2 for each survey they complete. Contact RezLife for more information ([email protected])
Each year, students require financial assistance to cover the current academic year or prepare for the next. Undesignated scholarships enable Nelson University to provide Advancement Scholarships to students in need of tuition support. We are seeking 100 undesignated scholarship contributions between now and the conclusion of The 2027 Project to address the financial needs of Nelson University students.
When many individuals contribute monthly to Nelson University, our leadership can more effectively assess the university’s financial health and adapt to better serve students. Recurring donors play a critical role in building a strong financial foundation for the next century. We are seeking 100 new donors to commit to giving $100 per month for one year or to increase their current monthly contributions to $100.
Nelson University faculty, staff, and board members who contribute a recurring financial gift of any amount demonstrate exceptional commitment beyond their spiritual and academic responsibilities to the university. We aim to inspire 100 faculty, staff, and board members to commit to a one-year pledge of giving a monthly recurring donation of any amount to Nelson University.
“Siglo,” the Spanish word for “century,” reflects the spirit of growth and contribution within the Nelson University community. Many Hispanic alumni have shared their desire to be recognized as a generous and giving community. A group of these alumni has united to set an ambitious goal: inspiring 100 Hispanic alumni to commit to giving $50 per month for one year to Nelson University.
Make Nelson University a part of your church’s missions-giving portfolio with a recurring donation. The fellowship and local churches have always been the pillars of the University. By giving monthly to Nelson University, your church joins a host of Bible-believing, Spirit-empowered congregations that believe in and uphold the mission and vision of Nelson University.
In 1992, one in three pastors was under the age of 40. Today, that number is closer to only one in seven. Fewer young men and women are answering the call to ministry. Nelson University is on a mission to change that. Church Leadership Degree Scholarships provide a 50-100% tuition discount for students in the 15 different Church Leadership academic programs.
Can one gift really echo for 100 years? With an endowed gift, you establish an enduring scholarship or fund in memory of a loved one or heartfelt burden that blesses Nelson University students year after year. Throughout The 2027 Project, we seek 13 new endowed gifts to reach our goal of 100 fully endowed scholarships by 2027.
We created the Sutton Family Church Leadership Golf Tournament to raise awareness of Nelson University’s Church Leadership Degree Scholarship fund. Pastors, church staff, and alumni compete for top golf prizes, a year of bragging rights, and learn about students who major in Church Leadership programs and Nelson University’s charge to inspire more young men and women into ministry. Is your church ready for the challenge?
Take care of yourself and take care of Nelson University. With a simple gift arrangement known as a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), you provide a charitable gift to Nelson University while also receiving a permanent income stream for life. CGAs are a suitable choice for anyone living on a fixed income or concerned about outliving their retirement — but still wants to give generously.
A deferred gift is a perfect way to impact students beyond the life of the donor. Nelson University believes for 100 generous individuals to commit a legacy gift to Nelson University in either their will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy. No matter the amount, Nelson University will be a part of your legacy and you will forever be a part of Nelson University’s.