News

(West Chester, PA – October 23, 2026): The Chester County Community Foundation invites the community to attend its 32nd Annual Meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester. The evening will celebrate the people and organizations making a lasting difference throughout Chester County through philanthropy, leadership, and community service. Each year, the Community Foundation presents its Door Opener Award to an individual or individuals who champion legacy philanthropy. This year, the Foundation will honor Donna Ziev CTFA, CISP, AEP® and Douglas L. Kaune, Esq., for their guidance and support of Bob and Phyllis… Read More »

(WEST CHESTER, PA – June 16, 2026): The Chester County Community Foundation is honoring Outgoing Board Chair Zebulun Davenport Ed.D. and welcoming Incoming Chair Erik Gudmundson at Leadership Succession Reception on Friday, June 26. The Foundation is also celebrating outgoing CEO Karen Simmons and introducing Incoming CEO Kate Wickersham. Guests are invited to align.Space to enjoy delicious food, wine and beer, downtown West Chester, and wonderful company, while also celebrating Community Foundation board and CEO leadership transitions. Zebulun serves as the Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs at West Chester University. Davenport is a leader and strategist and… Read More »

(Coatesville, PA – May 28, 2026) – More than 60 nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, educators, and community volunteers from across Chester County gathered on May 13 for Leadership Labs: Building Cultures of Belonging and Excellence — a full-day professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership capacity and organizational impact throughout the nonprofit sector. Hosted at Gateway Church in Parkesburg, the event was presented by the Educational Equity Alliance (EEA) in partnership with the Newlin Foundation. The Leadership Labs focused on helping organizations cultivate stronger, more equitable workplace cultures where leaders, staff, and volunteers can thrive. Sessions explored practical strategies… Read More »

West Chester, PA – May 12, 2026 – Change is in the air at the Chester County Community Foundation.  President/CEO Karen Simmons will retire this summer after 25 years of transformative service, and Kate Wickersham CFRE has been chosen to lead the Foundation next. Since 2001, Simmons has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation into a vibrant, community-centered philanthropic institution. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown from 130 entrusted funds at $8 million to more than 335 entrusted funds at $141 million, with annual grantmaking now averaging $6.5 million. Simmons championed legacy philanthropy, strengthened nonprofit capacity, and deepened donor… Read More »