The NAIA is focused on its the member's intercollegiate athletic programs being an integral part of the total educational program. The Association is geared to those colleges and universities of moderate enrollment that administer their varsity sports programs on a sound educational and financial basis. Throughout its history, the NAIA has provided strong leadership for all aspects of intercollegiate sports. Since their introduction of intercollegiate championship basketball in 1937, the NAIA has distinguished itself in many ways. The NAIA currently offers 23 national championships in 13 sports.
Schools compete throughout fourteen geographical regions.
Vanguard University and the members of the GSAC conference are part of Region Two. They are purposely aligned to be similar in enrollment, academics, athletics and student life. The GSAC uniquely links sports sponsorship to enrollment and adjust athletic scholarships and financial aid to the cost of education at each institution, thereby maintaining a constant ratio for all members. Current members are Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, California Baptist University, Concordia University, Fresno Pacific University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Vanguard University, and Westmont College. Conference members have won 11 National Championships and individual athletes from eight schools have won individual NAIA titles.