For the Commonwealth.
For the Common Good.
Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst

The world is searching for solutions.
We’re leading the way.

The UMass Amherst Foundation is launching a transformational campaign—Accelerate—to raise $600 million for UMass Amherst at a pivotal moment for the university and our world. Both the foundation and the university are committed to capturing the potential inherent in this moment and channeling it into real-world solutions and generational impact. 

As UMass Amherst’s reputation and the scale of its research enterprise have grown, it has expanded its impact to advance progress for Massachusetts and beyond. Together, with your support, we can move the world. 

Revolutionize Access to Education

Financial constraints should not affect the college experience. We will expand opportunites for students from all backgrounds through scholarships, fellowships, and high-impact learning programs.

Grow Investment in Academic Excellence

Research and creative expression power novel ideas and offer promising solutions to society’s problems. We will grow investment in academic excellence to set real change in motion. 

Impact the Common Good

Discovery leads to real-world impact. Through teaching, research, and service, we will strengthen surrounding communities and improve lives. 

Dan Riccio
University Announcement

Dan Riccio Makes Transformational $50 Million Gift to Name the UMass Amherst College of Engineering

Daniel J. Riccio Jr. ’86, ’24MS—a former key leader and innovator at Apple for 26 years—has committed $50 million to support immediate and long-term initiatives to fuel innovative research, strengthen academic excellence, and expand access and opportunity for generations of UMass Amherst engineering students. It is the largest gift in campus history.

Elizabeth and John Armstrong
University Announcement

John and Elizabeth Armstrong Commit $4 Million for Research Support at UMass Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has accepted gifts and commitments totaling $4 million from longtime supporters John and Elizabeth Armstrong to advance the university’s research enterprise. The gifts contribute to the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund and create the Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund and the Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund, all of which will underwrite research contributions across a broad range of disciplines at UMass Amherst.

People in a lab working with colored light
RESEARCH

UMass Amherst’s Research Mission

Research has been a cornerstone of UMass Amherst’s mission as a land-grant university for more than 160 years. Your support can ensure this essential work.

See how your generosity can make a difference

Making Health Care More Accessible
  • Magnify Impact
  • Commonwealth Honors College
  • College of Natural Sciences

Making Health Care More Accessible

Epidemiologist Victoria Selser ’20 is building healthier communities in Fitchburg, Mass.—and earning statewide honors for her commitment to public health and health equity.
Defending Truth, Supporting Courage
  • Magnify Impact
  • College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Defending Truth, Supporting Courage

Distinguished alumnus Ken Feinberg ’67, ’02 Hon. and his wife DeDe hosted an event at their home on Martha’s Vineyard highlighting the legacy of Daniel Ellsberg, America’s most famous whistleblower and an…

“Going to UMass helped me to grow and develop as a performer and as a human being.”

Natalie Lewis
Mezzo Soprano, Bayerische Staatsoper’s Opera Studio, Munich, Germany
Natalie Lewis