News

Thanks to Act 50 of 2025, Pennsylvania ended what many have described as a “100% tax” on dying without family or a will. Instead of assets going to Harrisburg, those estates now remain in the communities where those individuals lived, supporting local charities and the public good, forever. The fact is, some Pennsylvanians die without family or a valid will. They may have worked their entire lives, paid taxes, volunteered, and contributed to their communities. Until now, when they passed away, the fruits of that lifetime disappeared into the Commonwealth’s general fund, disconnected from the place they once called home…. Read More »

Contact: Beth Krallis, VP Marketing, bethk@chescocf.org Karen Simmons, President/CEO, karen@chescocf.org (610) 696-8211 West Chester, PA, January 29, 2026 — After a quarter of a century of visionary leadership and service, the Chester County Community Foundation announces that President/CEO Karen Simmons will retire this summer. Since taking the helm in 2001, Simmons has played a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation into the vibrant, community-centered organization it is today. Under her guidance, the Community Foundation’s assets and grantmaking have grown significantly, while its commitment to community legacy giving, nonprofit capacity building, and strategic impact have deepened. Simmons has been instrumental in… Read More »

After a quarter of a century of service, President/CEO Karen Simmons is retiring from the Community Foundation this summer 2026. The Search Committee is co-chaired by Zebulun Davenport EdD, Chair of the Board & Erik Gudmundson, Chair Elect. The Board has been working with Kittleman & Associates, which has conducted searches for scores of community foundations across the nation, as well as private foundations and larger nonprofits. With offices in Boston, Chicago, Denver and Philly, it is fortuitous that our lead search consultant lives in Landenberg and understands Chester County’s dynamics well. Position Description – Direct All Inquiries & Applications… Read More »

Photo caption: Grantees of 2025 Whitford Charitable Classic (Exton, PA – December 11, 2025) – The Whitford Charitable Classic, a fund of the Chester County Community Foundation, is proud to announce the distribution of $100,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits. Each organization received a $10,000 grant to further their impactful work within the Chester County community. The 2025 Whitford Charitable Classic, held from September 19-21, was an exciting weekend that brought together members, supporters, and grantees of Whitford Country Club. The event featured a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments, as well as the much-anticipated Whitford… Read More »

December 8, 2025 (West Chester, PA). The place to be before the West Chester Holiday Parade last Friday was the Historic Lincoln Building. The 26th Annual Gettysburg Address Contest included seven middle school students from local West Chester schools. Amongst friends, family and parade goers, the Little Lincoln’s proudly recited the Gettysburg Address from the Lincoln Building balcony. Hosted by the Chester County Community Foundation and the West Chester Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB), “although this year was cold, all seven students went out there undeterred and recited their speeches proudly” commented Joe Martino, event organizer. Competitors Ananya Kathuria… Read More »