We’re People of Action

Founded in 1995, Chestnut Hill Rotary provides more than 1,000 volunteer hours annually in community service such as: painting the halls at Face to Face Germantown; preparing food and gathering clothing for clients of Prevention Point Philadelphia; purchasing and distributing books to school students; and maintaining the pergola, one of Chestnut Hill’s many urban parks.

We also distribute more than $7,000 in collected donations of food, clothing and medical supplies to help families in need.

We raise funds while having fun!

We utilize our members’ extensive knowledge of the local and international communities to identify areas of need, and together work to improve that community.

We give more than $35,000 annually to local and international charities with fundraising efforts through our member-driven Foundation.

Successful events are held each year such as the Lobster Fest, Trivia and Bingo Nights. Sometimes members just “pass the hat” when a need arises.

Consider making a donation to support our communities.

Enhancing Life in Northwest Philadelphia

Recognizing the need for a sustainable, scalable approach to community investment, we established The Fund for Northwest Philadelphia as an endowed resource to benefit the region in perpetuity. The Fund’s focus is supporting nonprofit organizations that deliver measurable, lasting impacts on the local community.

Funding requests will be solicited annually, with Rotary members leveraging their deep understanding of community needs to identify areas of greatest impact. Visit The Fund for Northwest Philadelphia for more information and to make a donation.

Impact Snapshot

Impact Stories

The Dictionary Project

For more than a decade, Chestnut Hill Rotary volunteers raised funds, purchased dictionary/almanacs—totaling now more than 3,600— and donated to 3rd grade students in public schools in Northwest Philadelphia. Learn about the impact on students and classroom learning both short and long-term from the educators' perspective.

However, the books are not merely just dropped off. Rotary volunteers coordinate the distribution with school teachers and principals in advance and then spend time interacting with the students to get them excited about using the books and learning new facts. And, for many of the students, it is the first book that they can call their own.

Providing safe Play Area for children and families

Chestnut Hill Rotary recently gave a grant for $2,500 to support the construction of an outdoor play area for clients of Life Turning Point of Philadelphia. This video highlights the dedication of the new play area which is vital to the organization's clients and families who need a safe place for their children to play. The organization is located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, which is often plagued by gun violence and drug-related activities.

Life Turning Point of Philadelphia provides temporary housing and programs to help women find a permanent home, counseling and support.

Nurturing public speaking and critical thinking skills for youth

Chestnut Hill Rotary supports the Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest. Students prepare and delivery a five to seven minute speech.  The test is to ask the question when making decisions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The 2025 top award went to Nathanael Barlow of Pennsylvania Leadership Academy Charter School who presented his view that money does not buy happiness. The speech contest helps students by nurturing ethical decision making, developing writing and public speaking skills, and empowering advocacy for causes they care about. It is free for students to enter and the top winners receive cash prizes.   

who we support

For more information on what organizations we support, read: Chestnut Hill Rotary Donates 1,000 Volunteer Hours and $37k Benefitting 30 Organizations.