Friends of UNCW

Big ideas start here—and your support of the Friends of UNCW brings them to life.

The Friends of UNCW Fund provides flexible funding for projects that enhance learning, expand opportunities, and strengthen the Seahawk experience across the university. From hands-on classroom tools to student-focused initiatives, these investments make an immediate difference.

Founded in 1963, the Friends of UNCW has long supported educational, scientific, and charitable projects across the university—playing a key role in helping Wilmington College, now UNCW, achieve accreditation as a four-year institution by expanding library holdings from 11,000 to 50,000 volumes. For more than 60 years, the Friends of UNCW have remained steadfast supporters.

That legacy continues today. For more than 20 years, the Friends of UNCW has funded microgrants that bring ideas to life across the university—supporting 358 projects with more than $304,515 in funding. These investments continue to expand opportunities and strengthen the Seahawk experience for students, faculty, and the broader community.

Double Your Impact Right Now

During Seahawks Give, your support goes even further. Thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from Chancellor Volety (up to $2,500), every gift to the Friends of UNCW is doubled—helping more ideas take shape and more Seahawks thrive. Make your gift today and create twice the waves.