United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1944, the organization has been serving the Lower Eastern Shore for over 80 years. UWLES operates as a philanthropic fundraising and community investment organization that mobilizes resources and volunteers to address critical community needs across four counties: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.6M
+1.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$560K
-8.2% YoY
Grant Count
26
+4.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$22K
-11.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability.
Vision: United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore envisions a community where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential.
Core Values: Compassion, Fortitude, Inclusion, Integrity, and Stewardship
Primary Focus Areas:
- Education — Helping children and adults succeed in learning to reach their potential
- Economic Security — Providing emergency and crisis help and support for individuals and families to achieve economic stability
- Health & Wellness — Improving access to and awareness of local health and wellness services to empower neighbors in achieving better health outcomes
UWLES impacts approximately 1 in every 3 neighbors annually through direct services, stakeholder collaboration, and partnerships with local nonprofits.
Grantmaking
UWLES distributes funds to local nonprofit partners through a structured community investment process. Grant awards typically range from $5,084 to $143,638.
Ready to take the next step with United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
UWLES serves four counties in Maryland:
- Dorchester County
- Somerset County
- Wicomico County
- Worcester County
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $1,571,493 (as of most recent filing)
Total Revenues: $1,874,503 (2024)
Total Expenses: $1,735,602 (2024)
Total Assets: $1,554,364 (2024)
Annual Revenue: $5,221,529
Staffing: 9 employees
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,571,493 | $1,554,364 | $1,464,905 |
| Revenue | $1,730,207 | $1,874,503 | $1,593,550 |
| Expenses | $1,719,084 | $1,735,602 | $1,731,887 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $177,912 | $155,635 | $140,645 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
127 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Mac Inc ($127,958), Life Crisis Center ($42,667), Catholic Charities - Seton Center ($36,967).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE DELMARVA PENINSULA WILMINGTON, DE | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $12,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS EASTERN SHORE SALISBURY, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $18,333 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES - SETON CENTER PRINCESS ANNE, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $36,967 |
| CHESAPEAKE HOUSING MISSION SALISBURY, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $20,200 |
| COASTAL HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE SALISBURY, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $16,058 |
| DELMARVA COMMUNITY SERVICES CAMBRIDGE, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $19,167 |
| DIAKONIA OCEAN CITY, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $30,667 |
| EASTERSEALS DEMD EASTERN SHORE NEW CASTLE, DE | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $8,333 |
| EPOCH DREAM CENTER HEBRON, MD | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $25,475 |
| GIRLS SCOUTS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY NEWARK, DE | COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS TO ASSIST ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOAL OF HELPING LOWER SHORE RESIDENTS. | $6,743 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Principal Officer: Pamela R Gregory
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHELE CANOPII | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SONYA WHITED | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JOY STRAND | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | 1 | — |
| MARK RUDNICK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROBERT MOCK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MARY MENGASON | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| CANDICE JOHNSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| AMY HASSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOHN GADDIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KATHRYN FIDDLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEVE FARROW | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MATTHEW CHANCE | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| ALEXIS MUMFORD | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| VICKI GREEN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAMELA R GREGORY | PRESIDENT/CEO (NONVOTING) | 40 | $93,370 |
| STEVEN FULKROD | FINANCE MANAGER/RESIDENT AGENT (NONVOTING) | 40 | $80,252 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
UWLES announced $1.2 million in funding for local nonprofits
UWES announces $1.2M in funding for local nonprofits - Worcester County NewsPartnership funding applications are regularly opened for nonprofit organizations
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore\u2019s Partnership Funding Applications\UWLES launched the LIVE UNITED Response Fund to address community crises
UWLES Launches Summer 2026 Dine Stay & Play United - NewsUWLES launched Summer 2026 Dine Stay & Play United initiative
UWLES Launches Summer 2026 Dine Stay & Play United - NewsUWLES operates the Get Connected Volunteer Center, which connects over 200 nonprofits with community members seeking volunteer opportunities
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore fund?
**Mission:** United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability. **Vision:** United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore envisions a community where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. **Core Values:** Compassion, Fortitude, Inclusion, Integrity, and Stewardship **Primary Focus Areas:** 1. **Education** — Helping children and adults succeed in learning to reach their potential 2. **Economic Security** — Pro…
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore?
UWLES distributes funds to local nonprofit partners through a structured community investment process. Grant awards typically range from $5,084 to $143,638. **Recent Giving Activity:** • Total giving: $565,720 (based on most recent IRS 990 filing) • Funding is distributed monthly to approved nonprofit partners **Grant Process:** Committee members visit applicants to learn about their work and programs. Each application is reviewed for budgets, outcomes, and efficiency in meeting local needs. Fu…
Where does United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore make grants?
UWLES serves four counties in Maryland: • Dorchester County • Somerset County • Wicomico County • Worcester County
What size grants does United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore award?
In 2025, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore awarded 26 grants totaling $560K — an average of about $22K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore's EIN?
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6016589. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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