For nonprofits, there’s light at the end of the tunnel

Chester County, the United States, and the world has gone through so many uncertainties over the last year. Fortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be drawing near. As of the week of May 5, nearly 9 million vaccinations have been administered in Pennsylvania and over 3.6 million individuals have been fully vaccinated.

In Chester County, over 155,000 have been fully vaccinated and the number of vaccines administered is averaging close to 6 thousand a day1. Pennsylvania has opened vaccine eligibility requirements, increased the supply of vaccines, and is working hard to keeping residents and guests safe from COVID-19 spread within our Commonwealth. As we get closer to a pandemic-free future, now is the time to plan for great adventures, opportunities, and experiences ahead.

Chester County’s nonprofits have been working assiduously over the last year to provide community members of all ages, races, and backgrounds, with programs and services related to human service, art and culture, education, health, and the environment.

Nonprofits, many of which are essential businesses, have adapted to meet all federal, state, and local health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including masking, limiting crowd size, social distancing, and increased sanitization practices. Now, organizations are planning for a fun-filled summer, fall, and all-around better days ahead. Nonprofits are offering camps for children, visits to museums and gardens, concerts, special events, and more. All these programs and services are possible with an increase in vaccinations and health protocols in place to reduce the spread of the virus.

To show your support for Chester County’s robust nonprofits, we encourage you to plan your next visit or become a donor or member. Organizations like Chester County History Center, Historic Sugartown, Oxford Arts Alliance, People’s Light, The Colonial Theater, and Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, are eager to welcome you back for in-person and virtual experiences. Nonprofits like Chester County Food Bank, Community Volunteers in Medicine, Family Service of Chester County, Friends Association,Kennett Area Community Services, La ComunidadHispana, Westside Community Center, and many more, continue to provide for a better quality of life for our neediest residents even after the news cycle has moved onto other stories. All these organizations rely on community support to raise operating revenue. Your patronage will go a long way.

Speaking of local organizations, all our Chester County businesses, especially minority-ownedcould use your support more than ever. We are all in this together and must look out for one another.

For those who wish to support the Community Foundation, we thank you for your support. Since March of 2020, through the COVID-19 Response Fund and our donor advised funds,CCCF granted over $554,579.93 via 138 grants in addition to the 3.5 million to 134 nonprofits granted through the Restore Chester County Nonprofit Innovation &CEO.Resiliency Fund, created by the Chester County Commissioners through federal CARES Act funding.The Community Foundation will continue to provide resources and connect donors to organizations during this challenging time.

Be healthy, get vaccinated, and give wisely. The light at the end of the tunnel is near. We will overcome and rebuild together.

Mike DeHaven is board chair at the Chester County Community Foundation, and Karen Simmons is president and CEO. Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Biography Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds nearly $70 million in trust and annually awards $3.5 million in grants and scholarships.

Simmons

DeHaven