Athletics At University Of Massachusetts Amherst Raises $8.4m In Banner Fundraising Year
The Minutemen Club, the fundraising arm of Massachusetts Athletics, has concluded another highly successful year of fundraising as the athletics department raised over $8.4 million in the 2022-23 academic year, a 10% increase from 2021-22.
A total of 2,873 donors supported Massachusetts Athletics last year, helping the department exceed its goal of $8 million.
“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous philanthropic support of our alumni, fans and friends of Massachusetts athletics,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford. “Over the last two years we have set department records for fundraising, allowing us to meet the experiential needs of our student-athletes and providing championship resources to our teams who represent the flagship so proudly. In addition to our amazing supporters, I want to thank our Minutemen Club staff for their efforts to drive donor investment in Massachusetts athletics to unprecedented heights.”
Fundraising revenue has grown dramatically since Bamford took the reins at Massachusetts, as the department has seen a 400% increase from 2015-16 to 2022-23.
During the eight-year period, the Minutemen Club has generated over $33 million in charitable gifts, allowing the department to invest in enhanced academic support services, add important sports performance and mental health resources, provide supplemental student-athlete nutrition and additional opportunities for out-of-region travel. In addition, donations have allowed the department to complete nearly $100 million in capital projects since 2014.
“The level of support for the athletic department this year was tremendous,” said Chief Development Officer for Athletics David Biancamano. “I want to thank all who participated and applaud the increased generosity from so many. Year-after-year, our loyal constituents of alumni, fans, parents and friends make a significant impact, and we are grateful they choose UMass Athletics as one of their philanthropic priorities.”
The athletics department has seen its UMass Gives totals increase by almost 4,000% since 2016. This past April, the department raised a record $451,725 from 1,673 donors, topping last year’s $375,000 total.