Divine 9 Challenge: September 2 – November 21
Join the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society in our annual Divine 9 Challenge, a fundraising initiative running from September 2 – November 21. This twelve-week Challenge invites members of the nine historically Black Sororities and Fraternities in the St. Louis region to participate in a friendly competition to raise vital funds for our community. Together, let’s amplify our impact to make a difference for those who need it most.
About the challenge
The Divine 9 Challenge is a friendly virtual competition that brings together members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in the greater St. Louis region. By giving at the Leadership level with an annual gift of $1,000 or more, participants support the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ annual community campaign.
United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society is the premier philanthropic organization for Black leadership in the greater St. Louis region and the largest organized Black giving assembly associated with any United Way in the nation. When you give at the leadership level, you not only support a network of 160 local nonprofits but also gain access to exclusive networking and professional events. Sixty-five of these nonprofits are led by Black CEOs or executive directors who work tirelessly to help those in need.
Rankings
Check back regularly to see how your organization ranks in contributions. Numbers will be updated as soon as the Challenge begins on September 2nd.
Sororities:
Delta Sigma Theta
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sigma Gamma Rho
Zeta Phi Beta
Fraternities:
Alpha Phi Alpha
Kappa Alpha Psi
Omega Psi Phi
Phi Beta Sigma
Iota Phi Theta
The winning Sorority and Fraternity will receive special recognition in the St. Louis American.
Special Note on Gift Attribution
2025 Gifts: All gifts made in 2025 prior to the challenge will be credited toward the donor’s respective Divine 9 (D9) Organization.
Combined Givers: For spouses or partners who are members of different D9 Sororities or Fraternities, the combined household gift will be recognized for both organizations in the D9 Challenge. For instance, if one spouse is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the other is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., both organizations will receive full credit for the total contribution.
Please Note: This special recognition applies solely to the D9 Challenge. To receive Charmaine Chapman Society and Leadership Giving member status for both spouses, the combined household gift must be $2,000 or more, which equates to $1,000 per person.
Step-up to leadership giving
Our Leadership Giving Society step-up program, supported by the Regional Business Council allows donors to “step-up” to the Leadership Giving Level over the course of three years while still receiving full recognition and benefits of membership throughout the time enrolled in the program. Contact our team at leadershipgiving@unitedwaystl.org to learn more.
See photos from our past challenges!
Questions?
Contact our philanthropy team at leadershipgiving@unitedwaystl.org.