YWCA Delaware Announces the Launch of the Resilience Fund
YWCA Delaware Announces the Launch of the Resilience Fund Ensuring Uninterrupted Support for the Clients We Serve
For more than 130 years, YWCA Delaware has stood beside women, families, and survivors during moments of crisis and transition—providing safety, stability, and opportunity when it is needed most. Through changing times and evolving challenges, our commitment has remained the same: to be a constant source of support for those navigating uncertainty.
Today, communities across Delaware are facing deepening economic strain and growing uncertainty around the public systems meant to keep people safe. At the same time, the funding landscape that supports critical services is shifting. In response, YWCA Delaware is taking proactive, thoughtful steps to ensure that the essential programs our community relies on remain strong and uninterrupted.
Introducing the Resilience Fund
We are proud to announce the launch of the Resilience Fund, a one-time, $1.5 million campaign created to safeguard YWCA Delaware’s ability to deliver services—no matter what challenges arise. The Resilience Fund strengthens our capacity to remain steady, responsive, and prepared, even in the face of reduced or changing funding.
A significant portion of YWCA Delaware’s work depends on public funding, including:
Emergency and transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness
24/7 crisis response for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
Economic empowerment and workforce development services
Youth development and prevention programs
Some of these funding sources are declining or coming to an end. When programs like emergency housing or crisis response are paused, restarting them can be extremely difficult—sometimes impossible. The Resilience Fund exists to ensure that these lifeline services remain available when our community needs them most.
Strong Stewardship, Thoughtful Access
Accountability and stewardship are central to the Resilience Fund’s design. The fund is held at the Delaware Community Foundation and may be accessed only with approval from YWCA Delaware’s Board of Directors when significant funding gaps arise. This structure ensures that resources are used strategically, responsibly, and only when truly necessary—protecting both our mission and our long-term sustainability.
A Phased Approach to Lasting Impact
The Resilience Fund is launching in phases. During the early leadership phase (July 2025–February 2026), YWCA Delaware is working closely with longtime supporters and community champions to anchor the campaign. These early commitments demonstrate confidence in our mission and help build a strong foundation for the public phase ahead.
A Commitment to the Next Chapter
YWCA Delaware’s Board of Directors and leadership are united in the belief that this is the right step for this moment. The Resilience Fund honors the vision that has sustained YWCA Delaware for more than a century while positioning us to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow.
Because of the support of our community, women and families across Delaware continue to find safety, dignity, and opportunity when they turn to YWCA Delaware. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood with us over the years and to those helping shape this next chapter.
We look forward to sharing updates as the Resilience Fund campaign progresses and to continuing this important work together.