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. 

Image of campus with Old Chapel in the foreground
University Announcement

A Major Milestone for Accelerate—Ahead of Schedule

Thanks to the generosity of the UMass Amherst community, Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst has surpassed the $600 million mark—18 months ahead of schedule. Explore how this milestone is already expanding student access, strengthening research, and fueling innovation across campus and beyond. 

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

Catalyzing Educational Innovation
  • Magnify Impact
  • College of Education

Catalyzing Educational Innovation

In the wake of shrinking federal support for research, competition for grants from private foundations has skyrocketed. With two successful grant applications to the Spencer Foundation, the UMass College of…
Alumna's Gratitude Uplifts Nursing Students
  • Revolutionize Access
  • Marieb College of Nursing

Alumna's Gratitude Uplifts Nursing Students

Her nursing career took her across the country—and around the globe. Today, she supports the university she credits with giving her the foundation for success.
From UMass to the Quiet Zone
  • Revolutionize Access
  • Grow Investment
  • College of Natural Sciences

From UMass to the Quiet Zone

UMass Amherst shaped an astronomer’s career. Today, he maintains a strong connection with the Department of Astronomy and gives back to the university he loves.

“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