University Advancement
Quinn 1
617-287-5320
giving@umb.edu
Alumni Relations
Quinn 2
617-287-5330
alumni@umb.edu
Faculty and Staff
“In good times and bad, we know that people give because you meet needs, not because you have needs.”
— Kay Sprinkel Grace, philanthropy expert
Fundraising Philosophy | Management | Faculty Guide
Private Philanthropy: The Foundation for UMass Boston's Future
Guided by UMass Boston's strategic and master plans, University Advancement (UA) oversees all fundraising and public relations associated with developing and sustaining relationships with prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors and coordinates the information management needs of University Advancement and Alumni Relations. In pursuing its mission UA's staff works with the University of Massachusetts system, through the President’s Office and Board of Trustees, and the University of Massachusetts Foundation, and with the UMass Boston Chancellor and his staff, the Provost, the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs, vice chancellors, deans, center and institute directors, and the Advisory Boards of the Alumni Association and Colleges of Science and Mathematics, Nursing and Health Sciences, Management and Liberal Arts, the McCormack Graduate School, and the Healey Library. In recent years there has been a significant increase in private giving to UMass Boston. As we look toward realizing the dramatic growth outlined in the university’s strategic and master plans, University Advancement recognizes that philanthropy will continue to expand and will be vital to UMass Boston’s growth.
Coordinating the University's Outreach
To maximize the benefits for both the university and donors and ensure proper accountability in the stewardship of philanthropic gifts, the university has established a centralized fundraising environment administered by University Advancement. The university requires that faculty and staff members inform University Advancement before the solicitation of individuals, corporations, and foundations, including initiatives associated with events. A coordinated fundraising effort is vital for both the achievement of the university’s fundraising goals and the continuation of favorable donor relations. Therefore, it is essential that the engagement for philanthropic purposes of alumni and friends, faculty and staff, and students and their family members be coordinated through University Advancement. The resulting communication ensures that there is no duplication of effort or missed opportunity for giving.
UA will communicate if a prospect is being engaged by the chancellor or another individual, college, center or institute within the university. The office operates under a code of principles and standards of professional fundraising practices established by the Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. University Advancement also ensures that the university adheres to IRS charitable giving guidelines and policies established by the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees to ensure that gifts are ethically secured and acknowledged. Foundations which support UMass Boston do so through the UMass Foundation. This is because they are legally required to make contributions to organizations which have 501(c)(3) status. The foundation channels gifts to the proper UMass Boston designations.
University Advancement coordinates closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Because there can be a fine line between what constitutes private giving and sponsored grants and programs, A Note Concerning Grants and Gifts, a joint publication of the Vice Provost for Research and the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, provides clear definitions of terms and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of University Advancement and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs in the processes of identification, coordination, solicitation, acceptance, and administration of funds from extramural sources.
The Office of University Advancement is managed by:
Darrell C. Byers, vice chancellor and chief development officer, who oversees all fundraising and public relations associated with developing and sustaining relationships with prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors and coordinates the information management needs of University Advancement and Alumni Relations;
Gina Cappello, associate vice chancellor, who oversees the day-to-day operations of University Advancement, Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Prospect Research and Finance, Resource Management, and Advancement Services; and
Nan Cormier, assistant vice chancellor, who oversees fundraising from corporations and foundations, the UMass Boston Fund, communications and marketing related to fundraising, and stewardship, which involves keeping donors apprised of the impact of their philanthropy.
A Faculty and Staff Guide provides additional information on coordination with University Advancement and strategies for successful fundraising.
| Fundraising Philosophy | Management |