Turning Point USA has renamed its headquarters the Buckman Campus following a record $10 million gift from philanthropists Nelda and Karl Buckman. The announcement came at a ceremony in Arizona on December 17, three months after founder Charlie Kirk's assassination. The donation, made in June, honors Kirk's vision for the conservative youth organization.
On December 17, 2024, in Arizona, just before Turning Point USA's 2025 America Fest, Erika Kirk, the widow of founder Charlie Kirk, announced the renaming of the organization's headquarters to the Buckman Campus. The event marked a poignant moment, drawing cheers from the crowd as Kirk embraced donor Nelda Buckman onstage.
The $10 million donation from Nelda and her husband Karl, made in June 2024, represents the largest gift in Turning Point USA's history. Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in September, had personally assured the couple that he would rename the campus in recognition of their generosity. "You know what I loved about Charlie was he wasn’t afraid to ask," Nelda Buckman told The Daily Wire. "I know that it’s well invested, and I know that it’s gonna be well used. I just am so excited to have that opportunity."
The Buckmans delayed the gift until the sale of their company closed, ensuring Kirk received it before his death. "We were able to give it in June, so he knew," Nelda said. "It’s a joy to be able to do it, really and truly."
Their relationship with Kirk spanned years, built on personal touches like text messages sharing Bible verses. Now, Nelda is supporting Erika Kirk, discussing the organization's future, including expansion of the high school program Club America, and sharing experiences of motherhood. The two met privately in Florida prior to the ceremony, where Nelda offered guidance on leading as a single mother while honoring Kirk's legacy.
"We’ve met several times before, but this was just, just different," Nelda recounted. "She shared where she’s putting her boundaries."
Under Erika's leadership, Turning Point USA persists with its college tours and hosted its largest America Fest yet. She has vowed to build on Kirk's path with greater ambition. As Nelda quoted her: "We’re gonna stay on the path that Charlie had us going on, but we will elevate."
The unrestricted gift aims to bolster an organization centered on faith-driven decisions, with no conditions attached. "We didn’t put any strings attached to it. It’s a gift," Nelda emphasized.
Nelda observed resilience in Erika, noting her "soft eyes" amid the tragedy and praising her protective instincts. "We as mamas and we as women sometimes have to have those fierce moments, and to be criticized for it is the saddest thing," she said.
