History of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore 1944-2024
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 81 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved. For more information on United Way or to help make a difference visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, Facebook@uwles, Instagram@unitedwayles, or LinkedIN@uwles.
Frequently Asked Questions
UWLES is an independent, local, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 1944. Our independence allows us to focus our efforts on the needs of the counties we serve (Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester) to strengthen healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency for all neighbors. We are a member of the United Way Worldwide network, which provides cost saving services, support, advertising and brand recognition.
UWLES is governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors who represent all communities served on the Lower Eastern Shore. Meet the current Board of Directors at uwles.org/team
Day to day activities such as optimizing donations, managing direct programs & collaborations, volunteer activities, supporting agency partners, processing campaigns and planning special events are handled by a small professional staff located in the Salisbury Office. Meet the UWLES Staff at uwles.org/team
- Community Impact Funding: gifts are allocated to local programs through approved partner agencies and support UWLES' direct programs and community initiatives.
- Annual contributions may be designated to an approved local United Way Agency Partner or Direct Program ($50 minimum gift per designation).
- A benefit of being a member of United Way Worldwide is that we have a reciprocal program, allowing our donors to contribute to any other United Way, allowing those not living locally to donate to us.
UWLES has a Community Impact Committee compromised of local volunteers who invest their time and energy to visit with applicants and learn about their work and programs, and review each application including budgets, outcomes and efficiencies in meeting local needs. Funds are approved by the Board of Directors based on annual campaign fundraising and are distributed monthly to approved partner agency programs.
United Way Lower Eastern Shore's administrative rate is 24% which is below the 25% standard to which we hold our non-profit partners, as well as the national average of 35%. For a copy of our annual 990, visit our Accountability page here.
UWLES does not condone pressuring anyone to give. The decision to give is a personal one and no none should ever be pressured or coerced into giving. See our volunteer giving policy here.
There are many ways to stay engaged with UWLES all year long. We offer Affinity Groups such as Emerging Leaders, Women United, and volunteer opportunities which can be found through Get Connected Volunteer Center at www.shoregetconnected.org. Additionally, there are many easy retirement and planned giving options available. Special events throughout the year are great opportunities to learn more about United Way's work while having fun. And don't forget to engage with us on social media!
UWLES staff are happy to help with any questions you may have. For additional information call the office at 410-742-5143, explore more of our website, or message us on socials.