While the focus this time of year for many students is the end of the school year and graduation, students behind Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) are already busy at work planning for the return of the event next spring.

First up on the agenda is selecting a new primary benefactor. This week, organizers announced a new primary beneficiary for the year-long fundraising efforts — Chicago HOPES for Kids. Chicago HOPES is a nonprofit that provides educational and holistic support to Chicago students experiencing homelessness. Volunteers work with students for a minimum of two hours each day. They help students complete their homework and provide one-on-one literacy support.

“We are really excited about the potential of this partnership and seeing how students engage with the beneficiary,” said Irene Martinez, NUDM 2025’s managing and engagement director.

Sammie Hesekiel, NUDM’s managing and student director echoed the excitement and added “it’s something really unique because Chicago HOPES helps the cause of homelessness while focusing specifically on education.

”The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) will serve as NUDM’s long-term beneficiary for its 28th consecutive year. ECF ensures that Evanston thrives by funding local grants to deserving individuals, families and organizations.​

Fundraising efforts for the 51st annual Northwestern University Dance Marathon are already underway. A date and location for the 15-hour event will be announced in the fall.