#MaryWashDay kicks off at noon on April 2, 2025. Can't wait? Make your gift now.

Cedric B. Rucker '81 S.O.S. Fund

Funds from this endowment in "Support of our Students" will be used to help students with unexpected and life-altering emergencies. This assistance could come in the form of a plane ticket for a student who needs to get back to their family in case of an emergency, textbooks for a semester, or other personal needs.

Class of 1976 Jane Reese-Coulbourne '76 Research Fellowship

The Jane Reese Coulbourne '76 Research Fellowship will fund pioneering cancer-related research by faculty and students. This endowment will cover essential research expenses and support travel for presenting and attending conferences, ensuring that the latest advancements can be shared and discussed within the broader academic community. In addition, establishing this fellowship and funding support would further Mary Washington's standing as an undergraduate research institution.

First-Generation Scholarship

First-generation students are more likely to be low income, represent communities of color, and arrive at college with fewer resources than their peers. About one third of UMW's undergraduates are first-generation students. This new scholarship aims to help first-generation students succeed on their educational journey.

General Scholarship Fund

Nearly half of all undergraduates qualify for need-based aid. Many of these students would not be able to afford a college education without the support of the University's generous donors. Your gift to the General Scholarship Fund will help at-risk students stay in school, take on less debt, and graduate on time. If you would prefer to designate your gift to a specific scholarship, please choose "Other" on the donation form and note the name of the scholarship in the text box provided.

The General Scholarship Fund is used to augment other sources of financial aid. It gives the University flexibility to help students who are most vulnerable, those facing a financial crisis, or who need extra support.

Gwen Hale Resource Center

Food and other basic needs insecurity has significant impact on our lives. It increases stress, difficulty concentrating, and decreases our likelihood of completing courses and degrees. The Gwen Hale Resource Center (GHRC) intends to ease this burden. According to campus wide surveys, more than 20% of UMW students experience some level of food insecurity. Our goal is to provide food, clothing, school supplies, toiletries, and other items at no cost to any member of the UMW community.



$5,000
540 Gift Challenge
When we reach 540 gifts (Fredericksburg’s area code), Virginia Blackwell Rigsby '67 and her husband John will unlock a $5,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington! Support our students with a gift today!
540 Gift Goal
Starts in
$100,000
2,500 Gift Goal Challenge
When we reach our goal of 2,500 gifts during Mary Wash Day, a longtime Fund for Mary Washington supporter will make a gift of $100,000 to the Lynne Gourley Farrell '62 Fund for Mary Washington Endowment.
2,500 Gift Goal
Starts in
$50,000
New Donor Challenge
When we receive 350 gifts from first-time donors during Mary Wash Day, The UMW Foundation Board will unlock a $50,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington. Make your first-ever gift to Mary Washington today and help unlock an extra $50,000 of student support!
350 Gift Goal
Starts in
$16,000
1,908 Gift Challenge
When 1,908 gifts (UMW's founding year) are made during Mary Wash Day, Patti Boise Kemp '69 will unlock a $16,000 gift to support student scholarships. Make a gift to any designation to help us unlock this challenge!
1,908 Gift Goal
Starts in
$100,000
1,200 Alumni Donor Challenge
President Paino and his wife, Kelly, challenge alumni to give back and pay it forward. When we reach 1,200 alumni donors on Mary Wash Day, they will make a $100,000 gift supporting the Fund for Mary Washington, which underpins the student experience and university priorities. Alumni, this one is for you!
1,200 Donor Goal
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Or you can contact us at umwgift@umw.edu.