Charity Datebook 2020

In partnership with Chester County Community Foundation

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From the Guest Editor

The Chester County Community Foundation is thrilled to partner once again with County Lines Magazine to showcase philanthropy in this second Charity Datebook issue. We are excited to present many of the people, programs, events and trends that make our region so special.

We hope you will be inspired as you read about a few of our region’s many individuals who roll up their sleeves and put their money where their mouth is to improve our quality of life each and every day. They are your friends and your neighbors. And they are also charitably inclined humanitarians, environmentalists and social change agents who have made intentional decisions to give their time, their talent and their treasure. Their gifts will last far beyond their lifetime, and they will have a positive impact on our community for the long run.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved and support your community, please DO. We invite you to contact us to learn more about emerging issues, and the local, regional and national charities best-positioned to meet community needs and aspirations. We also have a plethora of ways for you to get involved! Whether you’re looking to jump in and volunteer, attend a dessert or wine tasting event, join a committee, or discern which
nonprofits will use your hard-earned donation to its greatest potential, we are here to connect you to the causes that matter.

The Chester County Community Foundation will continue to inspire, celebrate and grow legacy philanthropy for generations to come. We invite you to join us on this journey. For good. Forever.

Sincerely,

Karen Simmons

President/CEO Chester County Community Foundation

Reigniting Passion & Inspiring Philanthropy

“Hope is a moral imperative. Philanthropy is a manifestation of hope.”

This thought-provoking comment made by TEDTalk panelist Virginia Kricun from the stage of the Colonial Theatre, surprised audience members. “I never thought about it that way; but it’s true,” said Marge Miller.

These types of ideas resonated throughout the Chester County Community Foundation’s recent six philanthropy TEDTalks, which brought together more than 250 people at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Uptown! Knauer
Performing Arts Center in West Chester, and the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville.

Each TEDTalk featured a response panel of local community leaders and
philanthropists who viewed a TEDTalk video together with the audience, and then dove into discussion. Two inspiriting, yet controversial videos were featured:

• Dan Pallotta’s “The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong” calls out the double standard that Americans tend to impose on charities. Too many nonprofits are rewarded for how little they spend, not for what they get done. Pallotta beseeches us to start rewarding charities for their big goals and big accomplishments, even if that comes with big expenses. In this bold talk, he says, “Let’s change the way we think about changing the world.”
• Katherine Fulton’s “You Are the Future of Philanthropy” explores megatrends in philanthropic giving over the past few decades: aggregated giving, online philanthropy marketplaces, social investing, innovation competitions. The diversification and democratization of philanthropy is enormous, involving so many more people, from all walks of life, in so many more ways. Old patterns and habits endure, yet the seeds of change have grown strong and resilient.

One guest noted, “I’ve always assumed that philanthropy is for ultra-wealthy people. It’s inspirational to hear that people from all backgrounds and income levels share their time and talent. And they also share their treasure, making
substantial donations to improve our world. It makes me want to help, too.” 

To view these local TEDTalk and panelist discussions online, visit YouTube and search Chester County Community Foundation. Get ready to be inspired!