Frequently Asked Questions
NIL stands for Name, Image and Likeness. Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA allows student-athletes to monetize their NIL.
Yes. TrueNU is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and gifts to TrueNU may be tax deductible. We recommend consulting your personal tax advisor for more information on how contributions to TrueNU will be treated for tax purposes.
No. TrueNU is a separate entity however, our mission is focused purely on serving worthy beneficiary charities by providing them with NIL services from NU athletes.
TrueNU is not an affiliate organization of Northwestern University or the Northwestern University Athletics Department, and Northwestern University is not hereby providing to TrueNU any endorsement. TrueNU is a third-party organization created in part to work primarily with Northwestern University student-athletes.
Northwestern University is prohibited by state law from providing compensation to student-athletes.
- Student-athletes (including recruits) can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
- Student-athletes can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
- NIL cannot be used as a recruiting inducement (i.e., compensation for NIL Activities cannot be contingent on enrollment at a particular institution).
- NIL cannot be paid on a performance-related basis (i.e., pay-for-play).
- All NIL Activities must be quid pro quo: there must be an exchange of goods for services for compensation related to one’s NIL.
The Northwestern community united in the pursuit of ideas and imagination, endeavor and service, hard work and joy. That is TrueNU.
