A male and female, dressed in blue robes, smile at their graduation from the University of Delaware.

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 help transform lives and the world by empowering students, changing campus, inspiring faculty and building a lasting legacy at the University.
 

University of Delaware molecular biologist Mona Batish (right), an associate professor of medical and molecular sciences, and doctoral candidate Brigette Romero (left) and their collaborators have found that a specific muscle protein, known as MEF2C, is significantly reduced in muscle cells with cerebral palsy (CP).

UNDERSTANDING MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT

UD researchers are investigating the role circular RNA plays in multiple diseases and the influence it has on muscle development in cerebral palsy.

UD field hockey player Izzy Rothwell, a junior majoring in neuroscience, demonstrates baseline concussion testing with Kinesiology and Applied Physiology Professor Thomas Buckley in the Concussion Research Laboratory.

GAME-CHANGING TOOL

Using AI, a team of UD researchers have developed a machine learning model that predicts post-concussion injury risk in college athletes.

Jacob Blacksten’s expertise in cybersecurity and business administration led him to develop innovative programs that help small businesses defend against cyberattacks.

STARTUP CYBERSECURITY ADVOCATE

After helping grow his family’s business, alumnus Jacob Blacksten launched programs to help small businesses nationwide prevent cyberattacks and increase their cybersecurity.

UD students visit Lincoln University’s Demonstration Dairy Farm to learn about managing a grazing platform.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD ABROAD

A winter study abroad program send students to New Zealand to learn about sustainable farm management, animal science and current trends in agriculture.

iBuddy mentors share their experiences with new international students, while developing their own leadership skills, strengthening cross-cultural communication, and forming meaningful connections within the international student community.

CROSS-CULTURAL MENTORSHIP

The iBuddy Mentoring Program pairs incoming international students with current students to help them connect with essential resources, build strong support systems and adapt to UD.

Ed Lewandowski (right), a community development specialist for Delaware Sea Grant, has worked since 2012 on several projects in Laurel, Delaware, aimed at the redevelopment and revitalization of the area.

REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN LAUREL

UD’s Delaware Sea Grant and Delaware Cooperative Extension are helping to reinvigorate the town of Laurel by building affordable housing, downtown shops and a nature-based playground.

“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 logo.

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

Blue Hen Strong Fund

 

The BHSF has evolved into UD’s leading tool for rapid-response projects. From housing grants for displaced students; to free virtual mental health counseling; to internship support for those who can’t afford to accept unpaid opportunities; to a laptop loaner program that expands access to necessary technology: the Blue Hen Strong Fund delivers immediate support to students.

Three students sit together and smile.

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.

“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

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.  

Learn More