The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) proudly announced it has surpassed its initial $600 million fundraising goal to expand educational access, invest in pioneering research, support teaching and creative endeavors, and magnify the university’s impact on the common good. This is the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s 162-year history. 

Based on strong support for the campaign and its resounding impact on the university, the foundation will continue to fundraise through June 30, 2027 to maximize philanthropic support for the university’s ambitious strategic plan, manage financial headwinds for research from an evolving federal landscape, and bolster programmatic and other student aid and faculty needs across the campus’s schools, colleges and units. 

“I am grateful to the generous donors who have demonstrated their commitment to our students, faculty, values and mission,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier A. Reyes. “Every dollar donated can help a student with tuition, a faculty member undertake a project, or improve campus and, ultimately, help us fulfill our mission to benefit the commonwealth and beyond.”   

The campaign, which had its public launch in 2024, has raised $329.3 million in support for academic programs across the university; $176.8 million for student aid, including for high-impact learning opportunities like study abroad, internships and research alongside faculty; $66.6 million to help the flagship university attract and retain outstanding academic faculty and staff; and $32 million for facilities. The UMass Amherst endowment will grow by more than $250 million from the fulfillment of these campaign commitments. 

“It is extremely fulfilling to see alumni and other generous donors giving back to the university to benefit students, faculty, research and academic programs. It is a testament to the positive impact that UMass Amherst has on so many lives,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “I would like to recognize Chancellor Javier Reyes and the entire UMass Amherst team for this successful fundraising campaign that will make a difference to the campus and its students, faculty and staff for generations.” 

“As the chair of the UMass Foundation, I am so proud to see this record level of private support for the university,” said Chair of the UMass Foundation Board of Directors Robert J. Manning, whose record-setting gift in 2021 with his wife Donna Manning led to the naming of the Robert and Donna Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences. “The University of Massachusetts and its students, faculty and staff are worth investing in, and I am grateful to all of those—especially President Meehan and Chancellor Reyes—who have worked hard to build this culture and to inspire this level of philanthropic support that will change the lives of so many.”  

“Our alumni and donors have responded in remarkable and impactful ways to show they believe in UMass and see a bright future for the university,” said UMass Amherst Foundation President Arwen Duffy. “As we continue this historic campaign, our fundraising efforts will remain focused on the university’s mission to provide an affordable, accessible, high-quality education and conduct research and public service that advance knowledge and improve lives throughout the commonwealth, the nation and the world.” 

The campaign benefited from ambassadors and volunteers including members of the UMAF Board of Directors, the UMass Amherst Alumni Association Board of Directors and the co-chairs of the Accelerate campaign—Doug Berthiaume ’71, ’05 hon., Michelle Cardinal ’89, and Karen Peters ’87, P’13, P’18, P’21, P’26.  

“Many of us were able to build successful careers and businesses because of our UMass education,” said Michelle Cardinal. “We want to help others achieve that same dream. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that is opening doors for students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend college, study abroad, complete internships and work alongside world-class faculty.” 

“As a proud graduate and parent of six students, I have felt the power of the UMass experience firsthand,” said Karen Peters. “Through this campaign, we are working to cement the university’s ability to provide a dynamic and affordable education to students from all walks of life and produce research that has meaningful implications for the wider community. It is clear that this mission has resonated with our community.”