Final Call for Fundraising ——Help Support Hampshire College’s Remaining Staff and Faculty Through the Final Teach-Out
Flowers from the Farm harvested by staff to welcome returning students
Dear Friends, Community Partners, and Supporters,
As Hampshire College approaches its final commencement and closure in December 2026, approximately 50 staffand faculty members remain at the College to support students and carry the institutionthrough its final teach-out. These employees have made the difficult decision to stay through the end. They continue to teach, advise, support, counsel, maintain campus operations, provide essential student services, and help 140 students successfully graduate and 16 complete this final semester and determine what comes next. They do that meaningful work, even though they know that, when the students move out and records are finalized in December, their own employment will end. They are helping Hampshire cross the finish line with grace and care.
We are now asking our broader community to support them as they do so. Our final fundraising push will focus primarily on providing financial assistance to staff and faculty who have yet to find jobs, including the approximately 50 staff and faculty who remain employed through the College's final closure in December. Many are already facing the uncertainty that comes with an approaching job loss. They are searching for new employment while continuing to give their full attention and energy to Hampshire's students and the responsibilities of closing a college. For some, the months ahead will bring significant financial challenges related to housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and other basic needs. Our goal is to provide these employees with some measure of stability as they continue serving our students and preparing for an uncertain transition.
There is still an urgent, significant need to support all Hampshire workers, those currently unemployed and those losing their jobs during the winter holidays. The closure of Hampshire College does not simply mean the closing of buildings or programs. It also means that hundreds of people have had to rethink their livelihoods, careers, and futures; they have had to pivot after years of planning, training, and preparation, all while grappling with the loss of a community they have dedicated themselves to. Behind every eliminated position is a person and often a family trying to determine what comes next. Hampshire fostered an inclusive work environment, which means this loss disproportionately impacts the many BIPOC, queer, trans, aging, and disabled colleagues who have been the backbone of our community. Your support is critical.
We are asking individuals, alumni, businesses, foundations, nonprofit organizations, higher education partners, community organizations, and anyone who believes in supporting workers during times of transition to consider contributing.
Every donation matters.
Whether you can give $10, $25, $100, $500, $1,000, or make a larger organizational or philanthropic contribution, your support can help Hampshire staff and faculty meet essential needs during this transition. To learn more or donate, please visit: www.helphampshireworkers.com.
If you are unable to make a financial contribution, you can still make an enormous difference by sharing this campaign with your colleagues, professional networks, alumni communities, businesses, foundations, organizations, friends, and family. Our staff and faculty have spent years caring for Hampshire students and the Hampshire community and will not receive severance at the end of their tenures. The remaining employees are now giving us everything they have to ensure our students are cared for through the College's final days.
We hope you will help us care for them. Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and willingness to stand with Hampshire College workers during this historic and incredibly difficult transition.
For Donor Advised Funds:
Sundial Initiative Inc. DBA Sundial Film Initiative
PO Box 194
25 Lennox Avenue
Glenford, NY 12433
413-687-4306
EIN: 46-3559786
With deep appreciation,
Help Hampshire Workers www.helphampshireworkers.com
