UMass Boston

At UMass Boston, philanthropic support has a transformative impact on our mission as a leading public research institution. Our university is rooted in inclusive excellence: We are dedicated to preparing students and communities to boldly answer the questions and address the challenges that will define our future. Every gift, no matter the size, enables UMass Boston to break down financial barriers, foster innovation, and drive positive change both locally and globally. By investing in our students, faculty, and campus, you create a legacy of academic excellence and social equity. Discover how your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students, faculty, and the world at large, and join us in empowering the next generation of leaders. 

Supporting Students

UMass Boston is rooted in inclusive excellence and committed to making higher education accessible to all: Scholarships, fellowships, and paid internships are essential in ensuring financial constraints do not hinder anyone's academic journey. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, making financial support critical to their success. Your support directly helps reduce financial burdens and create opportunities for learning and growth. Investing in UMass Boston not only transforms individual lives but also enriches our communities and beyond by providing access to knowledge that prepares every student at the university to bring their unique talents to the world.

Ryan McDonald
Associate Vice Chancellor, Principal & Leadership Gifts
617.287.7597
ryan.mcdonald@umb.edu

Empowering Faculty

Named positions are more than just titles; they represent a commitment to academic excellence and research that serves the common good. UMass Boston faculty conducts millions of dollars in grant-sponsored research annually, advancing knowledge and generating transformative research directed at the many complex challenges facing our society today. Endowed professorships and other faculty support funds are vital in attracting and retaining top-tier faculty across disciplines at UMass Boston. These funds provide stability and resources, allowing faculty to focus on advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of leaders. With your support, our faculty can pursue even more groundbreaking research, engage in innovative teaching, and continue to contribute to their fields in meaningful ways. By empowering our faculty, you help UMass Boston remain at the forefront of discovery and scholarship, driving progress, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity.

Enhancing Campus

Donor generosity plays a pivotal role in shaping the UMass Boston campus, creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and environmentally sustainable. Our 120-acre waterfront campus on Boston's Columbia Point peninsula boasts more than 2.1 million square feet of academic and research space. A well-designed campus enhances the student experience, supports learning, and fosters a strong sense of community; and, we're creating a campus that not only meets the needs of today but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. Your contributions help us build and maintain state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and communal spaces that inspire and nurture the minds of our students and faculty. Naming opportunities allow donors to leave a lasting legacy, with your name or the name of a loved one forever associated with a space that supports education and innovation.

Mary-Ellen (Mel) Gilbane
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Leadership Gifts & Annual Giving;
617.287.5324
maryellen.gilbane@umb.edu

Promoting Action and Advocacy

UMass Boston's Centers and Institutes are the engines of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. While classrooms are where students learn, our Centers and Institutes are where knowledge is applied to real-world challenges and drives research that explores the pressing issues of our times. UMass Boston is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes, conducting scholarship in fields from urban planning to global health. Financial support for these hubs of activity ensures they continue to attract top talent, foster partnerships with other institutions, and make a significant impact on society. Your philanthropy enables us to address complex issues, from environmental sustainability to social justice, and to develop solutions with a global reach. By supporting our Centers and Institutes, you help UMass Boston continue to be a leader in research and a catalyst for positive change.

Ryan McDonald
Associate Vice Chancellor, Principal & Leadership Gifts
617.287.7597
ryan.mcdonald@umb.edu

Partnering with Corporations and Foundations

At UMass Boston, partnerships with corporations and foundations are essential to advancing our mission of academic excellence and social equity. These collaborations provide critical funding for scholarships, research initiatives, and the development of innovative academic programs. Through these partnerships, students gain access to mentorship, paid internships, and workforce development opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in a rapidly changing job market. Corporate and foundation support not only strengthens our educational offerings but also drives research that addresses real-world challenges. By partnering with UMass Boston, corporations and foundations invest in the future of a diverse, skilled workforce and contribute to solutions that benefit society as a whole in ways that lead to lasting impact.

Kimberly Gentry
Associate Vice Chancellor, Corporate & Foundation Relations
617.287.5225
kimberly.gentry@umb.edu

Leaving a Legacy

Whether you wish to honor a loved one, create a family legacy, or establish your own enduring impact, investing in UMass Boston allows you to make a difference that transcends generations. The university’s endowment has grown to over $148 million, ensuring that gifts made today will continue to support the Beacon community for years to come. Endowed funds and planned giving provide lasting support for scholarships, faculty, research, and campus enhancements, ensuring that your generosity continues to benefit future students and faculty in perpetuity. A legacy gift to UMass Boston is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future, a testament to your values, and a way to be remembered for making a positive impact on the world.

Our Leadership Gifts team can help you identify and design an investment that in UMass Boston that fits your financial plans and fulfills your philanthropic goals. Please reach out to start a conversation about creating your life-changing legacy in public higher education.

Ryan McDonald
Associate Vice Chancellor, Principal & Leadership Gifts
617.287.7597
ryan.mcdonald@umb.edu