This year on GivingTuesday, Dec. 3, the University of Delaware community came together to support hundreds of UD programs, including the 140 projects featured on HenFunder, the University’s crowdfunding platform. 

With more than 3,200 donors contributing just under $389,000, this year marked the largest number of donors and dollars raised for UD programs on GivingTuesday since the global fundraising event began in 2012.

“GivingTuesday’s record-breaking results are a testament to the UD community’s generosity and desire to help others,” said Jim Dicker, vice president of development and alumni relations. “Donor support provides so many opportunities for Blue Hen students, faculty and staff to carry out research, earn scholarships, enhance leadership skills, perform community outreach and more. We’re so thankful to all those who supported the UD programs they care about this year.”

Many University programs rely on funds raised through HenFunder to provide immediate support for their projects or initiatives. Thanks to support from this year’s GivingTuesday, the UD Club Golf team secured the funds needed to travel to a competition on Dec. 6. 

“We are so thankful that the money raised this year through GivingTuesday enabled us to participate in the NCCGA Invitational at Pinehurst Resort,” said junior Nick Meisinger, president of the UD Golf Club. “It wouldn't have been possible without the support from our donors.”

This year, the largest outpouring of donor support went to help fund and restock the Blue Hen Food and Supply Pantry, which provides students with access to food and other essentials they may need.  

“We are so incredibly thankful for the donations to support the food and supply pantry,” said Rachel Garcia, director of student diversity and inclusion. “The additional funding means that we are able to support more students experiencing food insecurity, which has such a great impact on their lives. Through this support, students can focus less on meeting their basic needs and more on their academics, co-curricular activities and building community here at UD — the things that all college students should be able to focus on.”

All 140 featured HenFunder projects are still accepting gifts through Dec. 31. If you missed the opportunity to give back on GivingTuesday, visit udel.edu/givingtuesday to make a difference for our Blue Hen community.

Be sure to save the date for UD’s largest annual fundraising event, I Heart UD Giving Day, to be held on April 30, 2025.