Volunteer

The Fund’s Champions of Change Event recognizes both an individual and company for their commitment to practices that align with women’s economic advancement and equity. The goal is to increase awareness about the disparities and challenges that women face in seeking economic and professional advancement and equity. Members of the Champions of Change Committee work collaboratively on various aspects of the planning and coordination of the event. Participants who are well versed in event planning, marketing, and partnerships are ideal candidates. The Champions of Change Committee meets monthly from July to October, with the event occurring in late October. If interested, please contact Christy McMains at cmcmains@thefundcc.org for more information.

The Fund’s Development Committee works to increase and diversify funding from individuals, foundations, corporations and events for our grantmaking, education programs, operations and endowed funds. Its goal is to provide continued growth and financial stability for The Fund’s work, while remaining true to our values and approach to relationship building. The committee is under the direction of the Board of Directors and meets every other month. Most, but not all, on this committee have previous volunteer experience with The Fund. All members serve as ambassadors for The Fund in the larger community and support development activities such as assistance with appeals, note writing, making thank you calls, and helping with the annual Making a Difference Luncheon.

The goal of the Education Committee is to raise awareness of issues impacting women and girls by providing programming and information to individuals and non-profits in the community. Various events – ranging from film screenings to expert panels – are aimed at engaging Chester County residents in serious issues facing our communities. Members discuss and plan events and partnerships with local organizations to give voice to the needs of women and girls in the county. Participants who are well versed in programming, marketing and partnerships are ideal candidates.

The Finance Committee serves as a major resource to the Board of Directors on financial matters of The Fund. They ensure the assets of The Fund are managed in accordance with approved policies. This committee, made up of 8-10 members, is responsible for reviewing financial statements and budgets prepared by the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and financial consultants. They must review the annual budget prepared by staff and recommend approval to the Board of Directors. The committee works with staff to ensure that strong financial internal controls exist for the organization. The committee is also responsible for overseeing and reviewing the annual audit prior to it being submitted to the Board of Directors. Participants on the Finance Committee are asked to attend four meetings each year, as the committee meets quarterly.

The Fund’s Girls Advisory Board (GAB) program, started in 2005, has empowered high school girls in Chester County to distribute nearly $200,000 to programs that improve the lives of other young women. The in-depth and life-changing experiences of our high-school age participants are remarkable. As they engage in strategic grantmaking, the girls learn about the deep and varied needs in their communities. They learn to express their opinions, respectfully debate, build consensus and make decisions. As a result of this intensive program, our participants build a life-long network of women helping women, and nearly all resolve to engage in service beyond GAB.

GirlGov Chester County is a civic engagement program that provides local high school girls with an opportunity to learn firsthand about civics, government, advocacy, policy and leadership. Members work with peers to develop and lead advocacy campaigns, meet local and state elected officials, get to know influential women in the community, and take a culminating advocacy trip to Harrisburg to meet with legislators about issues that matter to them. Applications for both programs open in May, with interviews taking place throughout the early summer months. Adult volunteers make up the Girls’ Programming Committee and help plan and support GAB and GirlGov Chester County activities such as conducting interviews, attending GAB site visits with the girls, hosting GAB meetings and providing food. GAB runs from September–February, and GirlGov Chester County runs through June. To learn more about GAB or GirlGov Chester County, visit https://thefundcc.org/girls-programming/.

Our Core Grants Committee, formerly known as Grants Allocation Committee (GAC), comprised of female, male, and gender expansive community members of all ages and backgrounds, grants money to local organizations that improve the lives of women and girls while learning about philanthropy and nonprofits in Chester County. The Core Grants Committee ensures that The Fund addresses the needs of Chester County through its inclusive and community-driven process. To date, this community-led committee has directed over $4.2 million to 93 non-profit organizations. If you wish to receive more information or be considered for our upcoming committee please fill out this Volunteer Interest Form.

The group provides an excellent point of entry for volunteers wishing to gain an in-depth understanding of philanthropy and of needs within the county, and those who are willing to commit effort and time to The Fund’s grantmaking. For The Fund’s community-led grantmaking program, decisions are made by a group of diverse individuals connected to Chester County. Since most of its participants are new to the work of The Fund, they receive training for evaluating proposals and participating in interviews and on site visits. After thoughtful consideration, the informed group then makes final funding decisions through the process of consensus. Granting decisions differ every year. However, the recurring critical needs addressed include poverty and opportunity, health and reproductive care, job training, pre-natal health and infant care, domestic violence, and childcare, among others. See the complete list of The Fund grantees here. To participate on the Core Grants Committee, members must attend six two-hour evening meetings and at least two agency site visits between January and April.  In-person participation is preferred, but hybrid online access is available for most committee activities.

The Core Grants Committee experience has been described by previous members as “life changing” and participants will leave with a deep understanding of how philanthropy works that will influence their own volunteering goals, philanthropic gift giving, and public service.  We hope that Core Grants Committee members stay involved with The Fund through our Core Grants Committee alumni group and through other volunteer opportunities, longer-term committee service, and possible board service. 

The Investment Committee serves as a resource to the Board of Directors on investment/endowment matters of The Fund. They ensure that the investments of The Fund are managed in accordance with approved policies. This committee is responsible for reviewing investment summaries prepared by the endowment fund manager. Participants on the Finance Committee are asked to attend four morning meetings each year, as the committee meets quarterly. The Investment Committee is open to new volunteers wanting to help ensure the long-term financial stability of The Fund.

The Fund’s annual Making a Difference Luncheon is our biggest yearly fundraising event that unites and inspires members of the Chester County community to give back and uplift local women and girls. Members of the Luncheon Committee work collaboratively on various aspects of the planning and coordination of the event. Participants who are well versed in event planning, marketing, and partnerships are ideal candidates. The Luncheon Committee meets monthly from October to May, with the event occurring in early May. If interested, please contact Christy McMains at cmcmains@thefundcc.org for more information.