Questions and Answers
Below you will find answers to many common questions about UMassGives 2024.
What is UMassGives?
UMassGives is an online fundraising event on April 24 and 25 2024 when alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of UMass come together to support their favorite areas of campus.
How can I make a gift?
During UMassGives, gifts can be made through this UMassGives website. Gifts can be made to UMass online at any time at www.uma-foundation.org/give All gifts given during UMassGives, regardless of channel, will count towards the UMassGives campaign.
Can I use my digital wallet to make a gift?
YES! New this year you can now make a gift using PayPal, Venmo or ApplePay!
Why should I give to UMassGives every year?
Your gift provides operating funds that are used immediately in every corner of the university. Gifts from alumni and friends play an increasingly vital role as funds from other sources, including state or federal appropriations, have stalled or declined.
What can I do to help get the word out about UMassGives?
We encourage you to post about UMassGives on social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Instagram using #UMassGives. Help spread the excitement!
Myth #1: My gift is too small to make a difference.
Reality: There’s power in numbers.
During UMassGives 2023, UMass raised over $2.9 million in support of more than 275 causes and programs—and much of that money came from gifts of $50 or less. Collective giving is transformative, with influence across the entire campus.
Myth #2: It doesn’t matter whether I give during UMassGives as opposed to any other day.
Reality: Your gift can make a bigger impact on our day of giving.
Hundreds of donors have already lined up to sponsor giving challenges, through which they will award matching gifts and bonus funds to causes and groups that perform well during UMassGives. So your gift could trigger another gift—and more funds for the cause you care about. DM or email us if you’re interested in becoming a challenge sponsor by giving early, and helping make this year’s UMassGives an even greater success.
Myth #3: My gift won’t make a real day-to-day difference.
Reality: Your gift provides financial flexibility.
While UMass does plan carefully and allocates budgets accordingly, many gifts made during UMassGives allow student groups, deans, and others the ability to cover unplanned costs, from emergency needs to exciting new initiatives. Gifts received during UMassGives provide flexibility—whether they help the club soccer team replace a torn net, assist students with unforeseen financial hardship, or support the launch of a new mentorship program.
Myth #4: My gift is just put into a big bucket with other gifts.
Reality: Your gift goes where you want it to go.
Whether that’s to club ice hockey, emergency financial aid, community service, or…the list goes on and on. When you make your gift to UMass (during UMassGives and any other day) you’ll have the opportunity to search, select, and support what you love.
Myth #5: Giving is just about the money.
Reality: It’s so much more than that.
It’s about making an impact in our internal and external communities. And the more donors UMass has in a given year, the better our chances are of rising in the national rankings and increasing the value of your degree. Broad support of any amount, especially from alumni, is an important factor in rankings. Help us rise above the rest!
I am having trouble making my gift. Why won't it be accepted?
Be sure that the address you are entering on the form is the address affiliated with your card. If the zip code you entered does not match the zip code associated with your card, your gift cannot be processed. Still having trouble? Email Nathan Adams at nadams@uma-foundation.org for help making your gift.
Is there a minimum gift amount?
Yes, gifts must be a minimum of $5.
Don't see the allocation you wish to give to listed?
You can support any area of campus even if it is not listed in the drop-down menu. Select the closest area you can find under "Area of Campus" and then select "other" from the "Fund Designation" drop-down menu. Then write in the area of campus you want to support in the field that pops up.
Or, you can email us and we will help you make your gift to the area of campus you wish to support. You can reach us at giving@uma-foundation.org or nadams@uma-foundation.org during UMassGives.
Where do gifts go?
Donors are welcome to designate their gift to any allocation listed on our UMassGives website. Don't see the allocation you wish to give to listed? Email us and we will help you make your gift to the area of campus you wish to support. You can reach us at giving@uma-foundation.org or nadams@uma-foundation.org during UMassGives.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes. Like all donations to the UMass Amherst Foundation, your gift is tax deductible, and you will be emailed a receipt for your donation in the coming weeks that can be used for tax purposes.
Is it safe to make my gift online?
Yes. We do not store any of your credit card information. Additionally, the information collected when you make a donation is only used by the UMass Amherst Foundation. It will not be sold or shared with any third-party organizations.
Still have questions?
Contact us at giving@uma-foundation.org