The United In Blue Fund is a key component to the success of UMass Lowell's Division I Athletics. It provides a way for our alumni, donors, families, and friends to partner with our coaches and student-athletes to provide the necessary resources to succeed through scholarships, facility upgrades, academic and athletic support. The primary focus of the United In Blue Fund is to raise unrestricted funds that prepare student-athletes to become 21st-century leaders.
All components of a UMass Lowell educational experience that help our student-athletes achieve top performance in the classroom and on the field require financial support - making a vibrant community of financial contributors necessary. By contributing to the United In Blue Fund, you invest in over 400 student-athletes and 14 Division I sports. We are committed to providing a first-class collegiate experience for our players by providing them the resources they need to compete at the highest level and reach their academic potential - your support does just that.
* choose monthly option at check out (either reoccurring or multi-payment) to automatically qualify for the preferred giving level.
Payment plans available.
Join the Director's Club for as little as $85/month and gain exclusive access to River Hawk coaches and administrators.
GIFTS
The most common ways to give to UMass Lowell Athletics are through check or credit card. Please make checks payable to UMass Lowell and note United In Blue Fund in the note section. You can also make a gift online at www.goriverhawks.com/give
GIFTS-IN-KIND
UMass Lowell accepts certain types of gifts in kind, such as tangible personal property including equipment and any other personal item owned by a donor. In addition, if a donor hosts a university-related event, the costs incurred by the donor can be recorded as a gift-in-kind. For more information or questions on acceptable gifts-in-kind, contact the Office of University Advancement Office, 978-934-3140.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned gifts leave a legacy for River Hawk Athletics that will last for generations. Additionally, a planned gift may allow you to maintain control of your assets throughout your lifetime while taking advantage of tax benefits. Call the Planned Giving Office at 978-934-4810 for more information.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell and its Department of Athletics are committed to abiding by the rules and regulations of the NCAA, the America East Conference and Hockey East. This requires commitment from both our coaches and student-athletes, but also from our dedicated supporters within the United In Blue Fund. When you are faced with a situation and are unsure how to respond we strongly urge you to contact the UMass Lowell Compliance Office. Your continued interest and support of the River Hawks is most appreciated.
Frequently Ask Questions - Know the Rules!
Q. Who is a booster?
A. The NCAA refers to boosters as "representatives of athletic interest." A booster is an individual who is a member of any UMass Lowell friends group; who makes a donation to any UMass Lowell athletic program or UMass Lowell friends group; who is involved in recruiting prospects; who provides benefits (i.e., summer jobs) to enrolled student-athletes and/or UMass Lowell athletics alumni; or who has been involved in the promotion of UMass Lowell athletics in any way. Once an individual becomes a booster, he or she retains the label indefinitely.
Q. Who is a prospect?
A. Any student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual (or the individual's relatives or friends) any financial assistance or benefits that he institution does not provide to prospective students in general.
Q. Is it permissible to contact a prospective student-athlete, the prospect's friends, or relatives for the purpose of recruitment?
A. No. Only coaches and members of UMass Lowell athletics may be involved in the recruitment process. A booster is only permitted to inform UMass Lowell athletics and its coaching staff of athletes that may be strong additions to our athletic teams.
Q. May a booster be involved in any way while a prospect is on an official or unofficial visit?
A. No. Boosters are precluded from all recruiting activities.
Q. May a booster contact a prospect to congratulate the athlete once he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent with UMass Lowell?
A. No. The athlete remains a prospect until the first day of classes or regular practice. Until that time, it is impermissible to contact the athlete.
Q. Are boosters prohibited from all contact with prospects?
A. The simple answer is yes. However, the regulation is not intended to relate to an unavoidable incidental contact with a prospect by a booster. The contact cannot be prearranged and must only involve normal civility.
Q. Is the rule prohibiting contact with prospects applicable to established friends and neighbors?
A. No. It is permissible to maintain normal activities, but using the relationship to recruit the athlete must be avoided.
Q. May a booster employ a student-athlete?
A. Yes. However, the compensation must be for work actually performed and provided at the going rate for similar services. Also, UMass Lowell athletics must approve such employment.
Q. Is it permissible for a booster to provide a student-athlete gifts or awards for his or her athletic performance?
A. No. The UMass Lowell Athletic Department must approve all awards. Any gift or award not approved by the UMass Lowell Athletic Department may jeopardize an athlete's NCAA eligibility.
HOW CAN I BECOME A UNITED IN BLUE FUND MEMBER?
Any gift designated to UMass Lowell Athletics makes you a member of the United In Blue Fund. Gifts above $25 receive United In Blue Fund member benefits.
IS MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED IN BLUE FUND TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. All gifts to the university are tax-deductible as provided by law.
CAN I CHOOSE WHERE MY MONEY IS SPENT?
Yes! The choice is yours. If you're giving online, just select the designation(s) that you'd like. If you're giving over the phone or by check, be sure to specify the program or fund you wish to support.
AREN'T LARGE DONATIONS THE ONLY ONES THAT COUNT?
No. The core component of the United In Blue Fund is our annual giving program. Any gift, regardless of size, has an immediate impact on UMass Lowell Athletics. Your annual investment provides support for our student-athletes both academically and with their sports performance.
AS A STATE-SUPPORTED, DIVISION I INSTITUTION, DOESN'T UMASS LOWELL ATHLETICS ALREADY HAVE THE FUNDING IT NEEDS TO SUCCEED?
No. State, federal and NCAA funding provide only a small percentage of the support needed. We still rely on fundraising to provide our coaches and student-athletes with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. This includes funds for recruiting, traveling to non-conference away games and first-class facilities.
"I feel like my teammates and I were part of the foundation. We just had fun and we were better every year, so I feel like we are part of the legacy and I'm very proudChristina Azzarito '84
Eric Allen
Senior Associate Athletic Director
O: 978-934-2337
E: Eric_Allen@uml.edu
