Emily Fehl, '23, Helps Secure Gift-in-Kind for Huskie Closet
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Grant writer Emily Fehl, ’23, used her writing skills to help secure a gift from Bombas, a comfort-focused, basics apparel brand with a mission to help those facing homelessness. Her carefully crafted application to become a "Bombas Giving Partner" resulted in the NIU Huskie Closet being awarded 5,750 pairs of socks.
After Fehl first discovered and applied for the Bombas Giving Partner program, it took two years for the Huskie Closet to reach the top of the list of potential partners.
Fehl, a nonprofit and NGO studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies (NNGO), served as the Huskie Closet’s inaugural merchandising intern.
“The Huskie Closet is a great on-campus resource,” said Fehl. “It meets the needs of students who may be unable to afford new clothing or want to expand their budget and save money by 'thrifting.' Students can use the Huskie Closet to find appropriate clothing for changes in weather or sizing and to find a wardrobe for work, internships or interviews. It opened my first semester in the NNGO program and it's a supportive environment where everyone is welcome.”
Fehl created displays, managed and trained volunteers, sorted through donations and kept inventory. She worked on enhancing procedures to ensure students could access the clothing they needed efficiently. She also created a stronger social media presence by showcasing weekly outfits and styles.
“Often my biggest challenge was believing in myself,” Fehl reflected. “But the NNGO program was full of inspiring staff who helped me learn about myself. The positive feedback and encouragement from my professors and program directors helped me to find my strengths and apply them throughout my time at NIU.
Fehl continued, “Sometimes one connection or experience can make all the difference in accomplishing goals and uncovering passions. NIU did that for me.”
In addition to her internship with the Huskie Closet, Fehl completed a second internship with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra as part of a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at NIU, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation. She helped secure a grant for the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, which funded a project to refurbish instruments and donate them to local schools.
“I was so excited to learn that the grant application was approved and to be a part of something that will open up new doors to the arts for young students,” she said.
Fehl also worked for two semesters as a student research consultant on the 40TUDE Nonprofit student consulting team. Staying organized and learning to manage multiple projects and grants simultaneously has helped Fehl be successful during stressful, busy times and persevere through challenges.
While pursuing a full-time grant writing career, Fehl is a part-time grant writer for Girls Light Our Way (GLOW), a Peoria, Illinois-based organization that provides youth programs supporting health, financial and practical literacies, and self-efficacy.
“For me, what is most fulfilling is knowing that my work is making a positive impact— whether it’s on one person or worldwide,” Fehl commented.
Fehl grew up in Bartonville, Illinois, and describes herself as “very sensitive and empathetic.” These characteristics as likely the reason why she pursued work with nonprofits and community engagement.
“I also have very supportive parents who have always encouraged me to follow my interests and pursue any dreams,” she said. “During high school, my mom signed us up to deliver gifts to the senior citizens enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program. Seeing how excited they were to receive gifts and have company really made me feel good. That experience impacted my youth, and I think I took that desire to make a difference, big or small, as often as possible and carried that with me.”
Fehl credits her mother with always guiding her to achieve her goals and work toward success. She also helped her find the NNGO program at NIU.
“I came to NIU because I felt like the people were very welcoming, and there were many ways to get involved on campus,” she said. “Other universities felt very competitive, and I wanted to go somewhere that made me feel like my personal journey was important. Now, after earning my degree, my goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it and contribute to a more connected, accepting and equitable society.”
The Huskie Closet provides donated clothing to current NIU students. Visit the Huskie Closet website and use the SignUp Genius link to volunteer. Click here to learn about other volunteer opportunities at NIU, or email volunteer@niu.edu for more information.