Need help? Dial 211

Corporate Partners

Agency Partners

Donate
A colorful collage celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society, part of United Way, features diverse groups of people smiling at various events. The background showcases a geometric pattern with purple, orange, and green accents.

A collage celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society, highlighting their partnership with United Way. The image displays groups of people joyously gathered at various events, set against vibrant decorative elements in the background.

Celebrating 30 Years of Black Philanthropy

The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and we are so proud of this group’s longevity and commitment to philanthropic service. What started as a small group of people wanting more African Americans to have a role in the philanthropic space has blossomed into one of the largest African American giving societies in the country, raising nearly $90 million since its inception. Through CCS, hundreds of people have embraced UWGSL’s mission to help people live their best possible lives. Charmaine Chapman is gone, but her spirit lives on in the way CCS mobilizes Black leaders to use their time, talent and treasure to uplift our community.

Michelle Tucker speaking at an event

“CCS continues to embody the same spirit of giving that Charmaine Chapman and Dr. Suggs put in place 30 years ago and we look forward to local Black leaders continuing to respond to the needs of the community through generous giving.”

– Michelle D. Tucker President & CEO, United Way of Greater St. Louis

Take a look at the photo timeline below to learn more about the CCS founders and the society’s incredible 30-year history!

Through The Years

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.
A woman speaks at a podium with a colorful logo, holding papers. She's dressed in a light-colored suit. Behind her, two people stand, one in red attire. There are large windows and plants visible.
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.

Michelle D. Tucker

President and CEO, United Way of Greater St. Louis

Since stepping into the role of President and CEO five years ago, Michelle Tucker is guiding United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) to new heights and driving meaningful impact across our 16-county region. Before joining UWGSL in 2019, Michelle had already been a leading force in Black Philanthropy, uniting with local leaders to drive meaningful change through her commitment to the Charmaine Champman Society (CCS). Her tireless efforts to unite the community through generous giving has made our region stronger, healthier and more resilient now and for generations to come.

Arica and Steven Harris

Arica Harris, Edward Jones, 2024 CCS Co-Chair

Steven Harris, Rubin Brown, 2024 CCS Co-Chair

United Way of Greater St. Louis teammates sat down with the 2024 CCS Co-Chairs, Arica and Steven Harris to reflect on how they are continuing the legacy of this impactful philanthropic society.

Dr. Donald Suggs

Publisher, St. Louis American and Co-founder of CCS

As we celebrate the CCS’s 30th anniversary, we pay homage to Dr. Suggs who was a pioneer in helping African Americans have a larger role in the philanthropic space.

Read Our Stories

CCS In The News

Ready to Join?

A gift of $1,000 or greater gives you access to join one or more Leadership Giving Societies and helps people in the St. Louis region live their best possible lives.

Join today
Learn more