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 inequity. Ignoring the challenges they face lead to more significant problems that affect us all.

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.

For over 75 years, we've been helping to make Delaware a better place for all people
YEARS OF
Fighting for Equity
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Advocating for our Children
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Fighting for Racial Justice
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Preparing Teens for Careers
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Fighting for our Neighbors
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Supporting our Seniors
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Building a Better Delaware

YEARS OF

Building a Better Delaware

At United Way of Delaware, we believe equity is everyone’s responsibility. Since 1946, we’ve partnered with leaders to bring opportunity to every corner of our state. Even though the fight is long from over, we know what’s possible when we all work together. When we LIVE UNITED against inequity, we can drive long-term change faster. So that, over the next 75 years, we can make Delaware and Salem County (NJ) better for everyone.

Join the Fight for

equity, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Racial Equity & Social Justice

Racial Equity & Social Justice

Many policies limit opportunities for people of color. At UWDE, we work with organizations to level the playing field in our state while advocating to dismantle harmful policies.

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).

MSB Program grad Nikita Thomas, center, with Kevin Williams (left) and Adam Ahmad from Barclays Bank
Aug 16 2024

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
Jul 26 2024

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
Jul 18 2024

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
Jun 28 2024

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
Jun 28 2024

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...
Representations of the Pride and Transgender Flags
Jun 05 2024

Reflections on Pride Month

“Say it loud, gay is proud.” This was the official chant of the first march for gay rights, organized to commemorate the first anniversary of the uprising at the...
Juneteenth Freedom Day June 19 2024
Jun 05 2024

Celebrating Juneteenth: Freedom, Reflection, and Unity in Delaware

Juneteenth is more than just a date on the calendar. It celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward racial equality. It’s a time to reflect on the...
FAFSA Help - United Way of Delaware and Stand By Me Delaware
Jun 05 2024

UWDE’s Stand By Me Delaware Initiative Helps Pave the Way for FAFSA Success

UWDE’s Stand By Me Delaware Initiative Helps Pave the Way for FAFSA Success by helping to ensure students across our state have the support they need to complete...
As seen in Delaware Public Media
May 29 2024

In the News: New data shows more struggling households in Delaware despite increase in wages

New data shows more struggling households in Delaware despite increase in wages, as UWDE Director of Public Policy and Engagement John Fisher-Klein tells Delaware...
Autism awareness
Apr 30 2024

Living With a Child With Autism

Another name for Autism Awareness Month is Autism Acceptance Month. That’s what Kendra Haynes, whose son Carey was diagnosed at age 3, prefers to celebrate.

Our Volunteers Make Our Work Possible - UWDE Volunteers at Wilmington Public Library
Apr 22 2024

Celebrating Our United Way of Delaware Volunteers

April is National Volunteer Month, and as we close out the month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the stars who illuminate our path with their unwavering...
As Seen In Delaware Business Times
Apr 19 2024

UWDE President and CEO Michelle Taylor Visits the White House

United Way of Delaware President and CEO Michelle A. Taylor, Ed. D., visited the White House along with other Delaware leaders on April 13, 2024, as part of the...

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Every dollar raised before Dec. 31st goes directly to Delaware 211, our free helpline that connects Delawareans to critical resources like food, housing, healthcare, and more.