Support What Matters Most to You During UMassGives 2025

One of the most exciting parts of the UMassGives campaign is its Power Hours, high-energy challenges where groups compete to garner the most donors in a single hour. The stakes are high, with the winner receiving $2,000, while groups in second and third place each earn $500, providing a boost for participating departments, student groups, and programs to fuel their missions.

For the Stonewall Center, the two-day giving campaign helps advance its mission of supporting the campus LGBTQIA+ community. In 2024, the center secured a first-place Power Hour win with support from 160 donors.

“Our goal is always to raise money for student staffing to help carry out our programs,” explains Stonewall Center Director Genny Beemyn. “Doing the events we do, running the groups that we run—it really helps students within the LGBTQ+ community who are marginalized.”

In addition to hosting programs and events, the center facilitates support groups, advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community on campus, and helps students navigate everything from changing their name or gender markers to getting involved in leadership roles.

With a new location in Goodell Hall, the Stonewall Center also provides a physical space where students can connect and relax.

“Given where we are politically, we anticipate having a lot more folks who will need to use our services,” Beemyn says. “I’ve talked to any number of students who have said that this place—not necessarily the physical space, but the folks that they met here, the events they attend, the groups they’re part of—was lifesaving… We want to help vulnerable students feel a sense of belonging.”

The UMass Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB) is another organization that boosted support for its mission through UMassGives.

Now in its 151st year, the marching band has emerged as one of the nation’s top band programs. UMMB won its Power Hours in both 2023 and 2024, using those funds to create and build its endowment.

“We use those funds for fixing instruments or updating our uniforms or even traveling,” explains sophomore Abby Ogwang, manager of the publicity and recruitment team.

On the heels of its unforgettable performance in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, UMMB is looking to the future. Now, they are mobilizing support to update their uniforms and prepare for their next big spotlight moment.

“During that performance, because of the rain, all of our plumes got destroyed and we had to throw them all away,” says Ogwang. “So, we’ll be working on fixing that because you never know where we’ll go next!”

In addition to fundraising, the marching band uses UMassGives as an opportunity to engage supporters.

“We love our community. It’s important for us to keep people connected with the band and with each other through alumni events, social media, and through giving days,” says sophomore Aicey Hawkins, staff member for the band’s publicity and recruitment team. “It really is a family. Once you’re in the marching band, you’re part of it for life.”

Strengthened community connection remains a cornerstone for each program, department, or organization that participates in UMassGives.

Whether you want to support student organizations, scholarships, athletics programs, internships, or research opportunities, each gift made during UMassGives is a eminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Make your mark by supporting what inspires you at UMass Amherst during UMassGives 2025.

Your collective generosity makes campus a better place to be, inspiring and educating the leaders of tomorrow. When you give, you are not just funding vital programs, you are transforming lives.

Join us on April 29 and April 30 at UMassGives.org.