UMass Amherst Employees and Retirees Donate $451,000 to Charities

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AMHERST, Mass. – UMass Amherst employees and retirees donated $451,000 to local, national and global nonprofit organizations through UMACC, the UMass Amherst Community Campaign. This amount surpassed the campaign goal of $435,000 and beat last year’s total by 4 percent.

“Nonprofits are vital to our community, here in the Pioneer Valley and across the country and the world. These organizations work hard to protect our rights, serve the needy and preserve our natural resources,” said Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “I am proud that the UMass Amherst community contributes so generously to serve the greater good.”

Each individual decides where their donation goes, and can donate to any charitable organization through UMACC. This year the top 10 nonprofits in dollars designated were the following: Amherst Survival Center, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, United Way of Hampshire County, Doctors Without Borders, Dakin Humane Society, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Oxfam America, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, and the United Way of Franklin County.

St. Jude and Oxfam broke into the top 10 this year, rising from their positions last year of 13 and 14, respectively.

From larger organizations like the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, to smaller organizations like Amherst Boys and Girls Club, six of every 10 dollars was designated to local nonprofits.

Willie Hill, Jr., director of the Fine Arts Center and this year’s UMACC campaign chair, said, “UMass Amherst employees and retirees are among the most big-hearted people I know – willing to give of themselves to help those in need. Supporting nonprofit organizations means helping communities to thrive, and when our community thrives, we all benefit. I am proud to be part of this campaign alongside my generous colleagues.”

An annual report of this year’s UMACC campaign, including statistics on number of participants, dollars raised and nonprofits served, will be available in March.

Contact: Jennifer Page, 413/577-1101, jpage@umass.edu