United Way Community Update

We’re excited to invite you to our 80th Anniversary Open House! Come tour our facility, dive into our rich history, and discover our current impactful initiatives. Plus, enjoy a tasty treat from Richie’s Water Ice while you’re here.

Date: Monday, September 23
Time: 2-4 pm
Location: Chester County United Way Headquarters (150 John Robert Thomas Drive, Exton)

Join us as we commemorate this special milestone!

We’re thrilled to share that our Live United in Music event raised an impressive $106,000! Presented by Di & Dallas Krapf and CTDI, this sold-out event featured an electrifying performance by the 80s tribute band Decade80, who truly “own the 80s.”

The funds raised will support vital programs in financial literacy, workforce development, and essential services, helping our community achieve long-term economic stability.

The night was packed with excitement, from Decade80’s dynamic set to delicious food, a lively auction, and a special Michael Jackson impersonator appearance that brought extra 80s flair.

A big thank you to all our attendees and sponsors for making this event such a success and ensuring that our financial stability programs continue to make a difference!

Calling all Chester County nonprofits! Leadership Chester County (LCC), a program of Chester County United Way, is offering a unique opportunity to collaborate with emerging community leaders. 

Each year, a selected nonprofit presents a strategic, board-level challenge to the LCC class, which then works together to research, analyze, and propose actionable solutions over several months. This partnership provides invaluable insights, professional expertise, and increased awareness for your organization. 

Who Can Apply:

  • 501(c)(3) organizations serving Chester County.
  • Must have a track record of community impact, and a commitment to timely engagement with LCC staff and participants.

Eligible Projects:

  • Strategic, board-level challenges critical to long-term organizational development.
  • Socially innovative initiatives that seek to address complex community problems with new, transformative ideas.
  • Projects involving research into significant social issues impacting Chester County residents.
  • Must seek long-term solutions and community impact, not operational tasks or sensitive negotiations.

Benefits for Nonprofit Hosts:

  • Independent evaluation of organizational capacity and development opportunities.
  • Access to professional expertise and enhanced board engagement.
  • Increased awareness of mission and services.
  • Potential for LCC-trained individuals to join the board or volunteer.

Nonprofit Host Responsibilities:

  • Clearly define a board-level challenge with specific deliverables.
  • Allow access to key documents and board meetings and commit to the project timeline.
  • Provide necessary information, data, and resources to the LCC group.
  • Engage with the LCC class through periodic meetings and board presentations.
  • Provide feedback on the project’s value to the organization.

The deadline to apply is September 21, 2024, with the project running from November 2024 through May 2025. For more details, click here or contact Kelly Cockshaw, Director of Leadership & Innovation at 610.429.9400 x4107.

We are proud to sponsor the Social Impact Initiative category at the upcoming LionCage Pitch Competition. This category highlights companies and projects dedicated to addressing societal challenges while building successful businesses.

“We want to encourage and celebrate ideas that are working toward improving societal issues alongside those focused on financial returns and solving business challenges,” said Kelly Cockshaw, Director of Leadership & Innovation at Chester County United Way.

The event, set for November 8, 2024, at Penn State Great Valley, aims to support and connect innovators in southeastern Pennsylvania.

To learn more, click here.

Leadership Chester County (LCC) is now accepting applications for its 2024/2025 program. Expand your skills, broaden your network and make a lasting impact in our community.

This respected leadership development course is designed to cultivate and empower emerging leaders, providing them with the essential skills and knowledge to positively impact their communities. Participants complete the program fully prepared to serve on nonprofit boards in our community. The program convenes one full weekday each month from October to May, with a limited number of spots available. The application deadline is September 30, 2024.

The LCC program is administered and facilitated by Chester County United Way, in partnership with West Chester University and the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.

To apply or learn more about the application process, click here, or contact Kelly Cockshaw, Director of Leadership & Innovation, at 610-429-9400 x4107.