Annual UMassGives Fundraising Campaign Scheduled for April 26-27

AMHERST, Mass. — The sixth annual UMassGives, a two-day, online fundraising event for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, will begin on April 26 and conclude at midnight on April 27. The second day of UMassGives coincides with the campus-wide Founders Day picnic, which will be held in honor of the university’s 155th birthday.

The number of campus groups planning targeted outreach to their social networks as part of UMassGives has increased by more than 50 percent this year. These groups include many registered student organizations and academic departments. Donors can give to any campus area, program or department.

More than 200 students, alumni, faculty, and staff volunteers are expected to promote the UMassGives event through Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Seven challenges or “power hours” will once again be held throughout the two days to encourage giving.

“More so than at any other time of the year, our pride in the work we do as well as our caring nature as a university community are on full display during UMassGives,” said Nathan Adams, executive director of annual giving at UMass Amherst. “The spirit of UMassGives is about challenging each other in a friendly way in order to achieve more together for the good of the university and all those we serve.”

UMassGives continues to experience significant growth every year. Last year, $338,000 was raised during UMassGives from more than 5,100 donors. The total number of donors grew by 119 percent from the year prior, and the dollars raised increased by 85 percent. For 42 percent of participants in last year’s UMassGives, it was their first gift to the university. Challenge funds created friendly competition among the colleges and schools, student groups, and other areas of campus.

For more details about this year’s campaign or to participate, visit the event website at: www.umass.edu/umassgives.