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.
“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
In 1994, Charmaine Chapman became the first female and first African American President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.
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.
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.
Charmaine passed away in 2001; the African American Giving Initiative was renamed the Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) to honor her memory.
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.
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.
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
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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.