Improving Life For

EVERYONE IN DELAWARE & SALEM COUNTY (NJ)

Join us as we fight for every person in every zip code in Delaware and Salem County (NJ).

Improving Life For

EVERYONE In Delaware & Salem county (NJ)

Join us as we fight for every person in every zip code in Delaware and Salem County (NJ).

opportunity exists for some

but not for all.

The struggle is real. Today, too many people in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) are suffering due to a lack of opportunity for all. Ignoring the challenges they face leads to more significant problems that can affect communities more broadly.

Young Delaware boy frustrated in school

In Delaware, only 19% of third graders from families with low incomes are proficient in reading.

African-American Teen United Way of Delaware

A startling, 28% of Delaware high school graduates enrolling in DE colleges need remedial math and English coursework.

Single Mother Embraces Daughter - United Way of Delaware

Over 150,000 people living in Delaware and Salem County’s Promise Communities are considered low-income.

Join the Fight for

opportunity & change

Together with our partners, we help children become more proficient readers, prepare young people for future career success, and guide adults towards financial stability. These are the building blocks for a better life.

99,619

FREE BOOKS

During the 2020-21 school year, nearly 100,000 new books were given to students participating in My Very Own Library to encourage a life-long love for reading.

23,000+

HIGH SCHOOLERS

More than 23,000 Delaware high school students are enrolled in a Career Pathway program to help prepare them for college and future careers.

$41M

DEBT REDUCED

Since 2011, over 36,000 Stand By Me participants in Delaware have reduced their debt by a combined total of over $41 million.

OUR PAST, OUR PRESENT, OUR FUTURE     –    BY ERIC OKDEN   –    KINGSWOOD CC WILMINGTON (de)

Early Education Success

Early Education Success

Our goal is to ensure all children read on grade level by 3rd grade. That way, they have opportunities to succeed no matter where they live.

Learn More

Career & College Success

CAREER & COLLEGE SUCCESS

Our children deserve every chance to be successful. That's why we work with our partners to equip students with the skills they'll need to excel in college and the workforce.

Learn More

Financial Empowerment

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Communities are safer when people aren't struggling to survive. Our financial empowerment programs focus on helping people take control of their money to achieve their financial goals faster.

Learn More

United Way of Delaware

THE COMMUNITY PULSE

Stay up-to-date on the good things that are happening in Delaware and Salem County (NJ).

As Seen In the Delaware News Journal

In the News: United Way of Delaware continues to drive impact. Join Us!

United Way of Delaware (UWDE) remains committed to driving meaningful change by tackling key community challenges, including education, financial stability, and health....

United Way of Delaware Partners to Provide Free Tax Preparation Events

United Way of Delaware, in partnership with State Representative Lyndon Yearick and First State Community Action Agency, will host two free Federal and State Tax...
Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col George Hardy

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. George Hardy: A Life of Service, Courage, and Impact

Pioneers of the Sky The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots in the United States Armed Forces. They served during World War II despite the...

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Turning Pages, Changing Lives: The Power of Storytelling  I still remember the first time I read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I was young, maybe...

New Jersey 211 and United Way of Delaware Celebrate National 211 Day on February 11, 2025

New Jersey 211 and United Way of Delaware Celebrate National 211 Day on February 11, 2025

Delaware 211 and United Way of Delaware Celebrate National 211 Day on February 11, 2025

Delaware 211 and United Way of Delaware Celebrate National 211 Day on February 11, 2025

US DOE Press Release

In the News: United Way of Delaware’s NexGen FAFSA Program Recognized by the US Department of Education

United Way of Delaware’s NexGen Program hosted 11 in-school FAFSA completion workshops, two virtual presentations, and virtual appointment slots for students and...
MSB Program grad Nikita Thomas, center, with Kevin Williams (left) and Adam Ahmad from Barclays Bank

Celebrating National Black Business Month: Empowering Black-Owned Businesses in Delaware

August is a special time for recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses nationwide. Join UWDE as we honor National Black...
As Seen In Bay to Bay News

In the News: United Way of Delaware Supports Delaware’s Incoming College Freshmen With FAFSA Help

United Way of Delaware supports Delaware’s incoming college freshmen with FAFSA help.

Governors Fellows

Reducing Summer Learning Loss: UWDE’s Impact and the Governor’s Fellowship Program 

UWDE programs, including Book Nook and the Governor’s Fellowship, administered by UWDE, help prevent summer learning loss and help children to thrive...
Rick Deadwyler and Michelle A. Taylor

Farewell to Rick Deadwyler, Outgoing UWDE Board Chair

UWDE bids farewell to Rick Deadwyler, a remarkable leader who has served as the Board Chair of United Way of Delaware for the past three years. Rick’s tenure has...
Brian Nourie, Rick Deadwyler, and Michelle A. Taylor

Introducing Brian Nourie, United Way of Delaware’s New Board Chair

As announced at UWDE’s Annual Celebration on June 6, 2024, Brian Nourie assumes the Chair of UWDE’s Board of Directors as of July 1, 2024, as prior Board...

STAY CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY!

Hear the stories that make The First State a special place. Sign up and you'll receive news, events, and opportunities that help build a better future for all.