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Philanthropy Report

Philanthropy matters, because our students matter

Philanthropy is at the heart of what makes the extraordinary happen at UMass Dartmouth. From making tuition affordable to enriching academic and student life experiences, donor support empowers our students to reach their fullest potential. These gifts create unparalleled educational and research opportunities, helping students discover their passions and opening doors to worlds of professional possibilities.

The profound power of philanthropy is felt throughout the UMass Dartmouth community, fueling innovation, growth, and success across campus.

  

Philanthropy matters for expanding access to education

Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship grows to $1M

Committed to students past, present, and future, the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association gives back by offering scholarship support that paves the way for the next generation of Corsairs.

This year, the Alumni Association’s endowed scholarship rose to $1 million to help ease the financial burdens students face with the rising cost of higher education. This scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic promise and a strong determination to succeed, allowing them to focus on their studies, explore new opportunities, and ultimately achieve their aspirations.

“Just as many of our alumni needed financial assistance to achieve their goal of a college education, that challenge is even more prevalent today,” said Brian Kelly ’88, President of the Alumni Association. “Through the establishment and growth of the Alumni Association Scholarship, we can offer greater annual support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams and become tomorrow’s alumni.”

Read more about the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship.


Institutional aid awarded

$21M

$2.5M raised for endowed and current use scholarships

Ken Obull ’24, M’25
Ken Obull ’24, M’25
“This scholarship connected me to a supportive network of alumni who continue to inspire me. One day, I want to give back, just like they did for me.”
Ken Obull ’24, M’25 Civil Engineering
   PERCY-WILLIAMS

Philanthropy matters for creating an extraordinary student experience

A generous community of donors expands horizons for Corsairs by supporting student organizations

An outpouring of support from donors during giving days and crowdfunding initiatives enabled student organizations at like Corsair Esports, the National Society of Black Engineers, Corsair Cheer, and the Black Law Students Association to offer pivotal experiences to its members. These groups were able to attend international professional development conferences, expand to allow more students to participate, and acquire necessary equipment.

"We were at a crossroads," said Percy Williams ’24, former NSBE senator, who worked with other NSBE members to arrange for the UMass Dartmouth chapter to attend the 50th Annual NSBE Convention in Atlanta, GA. "We needed a lot of support to get every member to the conference. Crowdfunding made that possible and allowed us to offer this opportunity to all 40 members, not just a select few."

How our community came together to enrich student life.


Total funds raised in FY24

$8.9M
Tiffany Igwe
Tiffany Igwe
“I left the Northeast Black Law Students Association Convention with an internship opportunity at a prosecutor’s office in New Jersey and was then offered a job upon graduation. Attending this convention made me certain I want to be a litigator."
Tiffany Igwe, JD ’24 President, Black Law Students Association
   Robert Hale

Philanthropy matters for creating a culture of gratitude

Robert Hale’s gift to the Class of 2024 inspired a wave of generosity as graduates turned inspiration into action

A surprise awaited the Class of 2024 on a rainy Commencement day—a thousand-dollar ray of sunshine from philanthropist and founder and CEO of wholesale telecommunications provider Granite Telecommunications, Robert Hale, Jr., and his wife, Karen. But there was a catch: they had to pay it forward.

Each graduate who crossed the stage received one envelope with $500 to keep as a gift and a second envelope of $500 to give to a charity or cause close to their heart. They embraced Hale’s philanthropic challenge with responses to his call that reflected their personal values, donating to local nonprofit organizations or repaying family members for their support.

See how UMass Dartmouth’s Class of 2024 turned inspiration into action.


A dedicated community

2,362 individuals

made a commitment to invest in UMass Dartmouth

Amanda-Little
Amanda-Little
“Starting your career off by donating to a special cause is really powerful and teaches us all a lesson about the value of generosity.”
Amanda Little ’24 College of Nursing & Health Sciences
   two students in front of library

Philanthropy matters for putting higher education within reach

Support from scholarships and state funding opens doors to personal and professional success for students and ensures that a high-quality public education remains within reach for all

Free tuition for eligible Massachusetts students
The UMass Dartmouth Deal will reduce financial barriers for eligible Massachusetts undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need, launching in fall 2024. This transformative program is made possible through critical support from the Massachusetts MASSGrant program.

$1.5M in scholarships help Fall River area students build their futures at UMass Dartmouth
A $1M gift from the Greater Fall River Development Corporation, plus $500,000 in matching funds made possible by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Public Higher Education Endowment Incentive Program, will help support Greater Fall River area students as they pursue academic and professional goals.

Joe Cozzolino
Joe Cozzolino
“I was very fortunate to be able to set aside extra funds just for donating to causes close to my heart. All the money that I give is going toward scholarship funds, directly benefitting UMass Dartmouth students.”
Joe Cozzolino ’87 College of Engineering

Joe Cozzolino’s bond with UMass Dartmouth not only shaped his career but continues to inspire his dedication to giving back. His philanthropy over the years has been instrumental in propelling the university’s mission forward, providing critical support to turn students’ dreams into diplomas.

Committed to helping students cross the stage at Commencement, Cozzolino established a donor-advised fund, a charitable savings account set up through a charity or financial services firm that allows flexibility to recommend how much and when to grant money to UMass Dartmouth and other qualified charities. He also instituted a succession plan for his fund—an essential and often overlooked step that ensures UMass Dartmouth remains a philanthropy priority even after his passing.

Read more about Joe’s commitment to scholarships.

Total funds raised in FY2024: Nearly $8.9 Million

Cash and commitments raised

$6,911,337

Documented bequest intentions from donors who so generously included UMass Dartmouth in their estate plans

$1,596,891

Current use and endowed scholarships raised

$2,500,000

UMass Dartmouth Endowment: Support that endures

Market value of endowed funds

$88.5M

New endowed funds established in FY24, totaling $1.96M

20

Total number of endowments

316

Directing your impact

Distribution of endowment funds in FY2024

Top giving designation in FY24

Fund # of Donors
Corsair Fund (Annual Fund) 225
Scholarships 187
UMassD Football 132
Corsair Cheer 131
Women's Basketball 97
UMass Alumni General Fund 83
Claire T. Carney Library 66
Chancellor Professor Yuegang Zuo Memorial Scholarship Fund 56
Alpha Sigma Tau 56
Men’s Basketball 54

Thank you

Questions? Contact advancement@umassd.edu

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