This paper examines the history of Northern Illinois University (NIU) Foundation, established to increase facilities of the college for broader educational opportunities for and service to its students, alumni, and citizens of Illinois. Each chapter examines one of five periods in the Foundation's history: 1949-1967, 1968-1970, 1970-1973, 1974-1978, 1979-1989. Issues discussed include how student loans were made more available; the role of NIU in reaching an ever widening circle of donors in supporting the Foundation's activities, assuring continued growth of its investments, the eventual separation of the Foundation from the University, and the formation of its operating committees. Also highlighted are efforts made by the Foundation towards streamlining its organizational charter and fund-raising policies, as well as the various large property acquisitions made over the years and some of the difficulties associated with them. Contains 223 references. (GLR)