Why Give
TO THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
UD’s extraordinary success is fueled by the power of collective giving. Every donor and every gift makes a profound impact on the University community.
Every year, thousands of alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students give back to UD.
They give to change the world. They give to propel UD forward. They give for reasons as vibrant and varied as UD's people and programs. Most importantly, they give because they believe in the University of Delaware.
Why will you give? Make your gift today.
Your Generosity, Their Success
Dedicated UD donors like you help transform lives and the world by empowering students, changing campus, inspiring faculty and building a lasting legacy at the University.
BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS
In the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, multiple UD programs were ranked among the top in the nation.
CAA CHAMPIONS
The women’s golf team won the CAA Championship and Lilia Henkel won the individual title as the team secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER
Professor Adam Davery is researching the effect attachment-based family intervention therapy sessions have on African Americans with cancer and their families.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
TO GRAD SCHOOL
Through the Connected Degrees program, alumnus Jake Peluso-Vargas will be the first medical and molecular sciences student to complete a master’s degree starting at a community college.
ADVANCING CIVIL DISCOURSE
The Biden School hosted the third annual SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue for a weekend of case studies, panel discussions and breakout discussions on advancing civil discourse.
NEW COMPUTER MEMORY
Professor Tingyi Gu received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study materials that can create more reliable, less energy-intensive forms of computer memory.
“We were really inspired by the vision of President Assanis and Dr. Kelvin Lee. They talked about how it takes some cancer patients months to get the treatment they need. In the new biopharmaceutical center, they will research how to bring much-needed medicines to market for patients much quicker, creating faster and better access to care and saving lives. This center will do so much for creating jobs, enhancing education in this field and advancing health care—the trifecta of elements that can make such a big difference for so many.”
- Marie E. Pinizzotto, M.D., BE08M
By the Numbers
From record-breaking, seven-figure gifts to thousands of two-figure gifts, every donor and every gift makes a profound impact on the University community.
100
million dollars raised in support of UD
24,930
donors to UD
2,530
gifts of $1,000 or more
61.3%
increase in donors since 2016
16
gifts of $1,000,000 or more
566
new Delaware Diamonds Society donors
FY22
“I give to education because I believe in it. When students succeed, we all succeed. My gifts enable students to gain experience in the wider world—and bring visibility to the programs that my colleagues, staff, students and alumni work hard to develop.”
- Greg Shelnutt, Chair, UD Department of Art & Design
Support your UD Passion
Your gift of any amount, to any of our 100+ funds, makes a profound difference for the University and its students.
HenFunder
Join fellow Blue Hens in supporting a cause close to your heart through HenFunder, the University’s crowdfunding platform. UD students, alumni, faculty and staff use this unique platform to raise funds for initiatives and programs that will significantly impact members of the University community.
Blue Hen Strong Fund
Gifts to the Blue Hen Strong Fund will directly and immediately address the urgent needs of our UD students to ensure their success at UD and beyond – providing success grants to cover tuition, access to technology and advancements to online learning tools, career readiness support and so much more.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Fund
The JEDI Fund will help provide programs, resources and opportunities to cultivate educated and empowered individuals who not only understand societal challenges related to equity and social justice, but have the tools to create solutions to address them.
Explore more areas where you can make an impact.
Philanthropy is Everywhere: youtube.com/watch?v=FunQvDxHiVs
Philanthropy is Everywhere
Azhir Jones, a UD sophomore majoring in entrepreneurship, is here to set the record straight on what philanthropy really means at UD.
Alumni & Friends News and Events
LATEST NEWS
Dynamic pricing is on the rise
Lerner professor explains why Wendy’s got pushback for plans to test new pricing strategy
Reserve tickets for Commencement, Convocation
Ticket registration opens on April 18
UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources gears up for annual showcase for the community