Charmaine Chapman Society: The 30-year journey - United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and as we reflect on this remarkable group’s impact, it is important to learn about its origin.

In 1994, Charmaine Chapman became UWGSL’s first female and African American CEO, and from the very start, she was set on improving the scope of philanthropy in the St. Louis region and positioning our organization to provide more services and help more people. Soon after beginning her tenure as President and CEO of UWGSL, her and Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American newspaper, recognized that Black leaders needed a voice in the philanthropic community in St. Louis. They began what was then known as the African American Giving Initiative to encourage Black leaders to give back to the community through United Way.

Following Charmaine’s death in 2001, it was renamed the Charmaine Chapman Society to honor her memory and since its beginning, it has continued to grow and expand every year. It is now one of the top philanthropic programs for Black leaders in the nation. Members pledge $1,000 or more each year to tackle our region’s most pressing issues and their efforts have paved the way for a lot of positive change over the years.

Charmaine was a trailblazer and a remarkable leader who had a transformational impact on our organization, and we do our best to honor her memory every day through the work we do in the community.

This timeline will be the first in a series of content this year where we will pay tribute to this amazing leader and the evolutionary philanthropic group that culminated from her efforts.

For now, take a look at the journey of CCS becoming one of the premiere Black philanthropic groups in the nation.

Black and white portrait of Charmaine Chapman - a woman smiling, wearing a dark jacket with a decorative brooch. Her short, styled hair reflects her elegance.

In 1994, Charmaine Chapman became the first female and first African American President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

A man and a woman are standing and smiling, both dressed in formal attire with red rose boutonnieres. The woman wears a black jacket while the man is in a suit and tie. They stand indoors with a plant in the background.

In 1994, Charmaine and Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American newspaper, created the African American Giving Initiative.

Six people are posing together inside a warmly lit room. Two women are seated in front, wearing blazers with flower pins. Four people stand behind, dressed in suits and smiling. The ambiance is formal and celebratory.

In its first year, 90 donors raised $148,000. Within its first five years, the Initiative had more than quadrupled the number of members to 442.

By 2000, the last full campaign Charmaine led as President and CEO, the Initiative’s members raised $1.2 million.

A woman in a suit and glasses is pointing at a document while talking to a man in glasses. They appear to be discussing something.

Charmaine increased diversity among UWGSL staff, board of executives, and executive committee; She also expanded our regional footprint with the integration of three regional offices.

A woman in a suit is smiling and giving a thumbs-up. She stands in front of a wall showcasing various profiles and photos of people.

Charmaine passed away in 2001; the African American Giving Initiative was renamed the Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) to honor her memory.

A group of ten women from a local community is indoors, posing and smiling for a photo. They are dressed in coordinated red and black outfits, with some wearing white. The backdrop features warm lighting and a brick wall, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Over two decades later, CCS has become one of the top Black philanthropy groups in the nation, it currently has 548 members. Members give $1,000 or more annually. The program has raised nearly $90 million since its inception.

A man and a woman stand next to a colorful sign labeled "Divine Nine Challenge Final Standings." They are indoors, with the man in a yellow and purple jacket while the woman is dressed in black.

Since 2016, CCS has hosted an annual Divine 9 Challenge which is designed to increase financial support for United Way’s annual campaign and celebrate Black Sorority’s and Fraternity’s continued commitment to service.