WHO ARE THEY?

The Friends of the Coalition is a network of next-generation professionals who support the Urban Affairs Coalition’s mission as a Home for Nonprofits.

These leaders are recruited, chosen, or step up to join the Friends of the Coalition because of their commitment to the community, professional accomplishments, and because they wish to be enthusiastic ambassadors for the Coalition. Through the Coalition’s mission of uniting government, business and individual initiative – and with direct support of UAC’s Board, the Friends of the Coalition, Strategic Partners, and Supporters – UAC is able to improve the quality of life in the region, build wealth in urban communities and solve emerging issues.

THE IMPACT OF FRIENDS' LEADERS

Born out of the social justice movement in 1969, the Urban Affairs Coalition has managed over $1 Billion of social investment over the last 50 years. We are a Home for Nonprofits, and a Coalition of 80+ partner organizations, large and small, working on diverse issues that immediately affect communities.

Through philanthropic and community leadership, the Friends of the Coalition (Friends) directly impact UAC’s ability to strengthen nonprofit organizations through fiscal sponsorship, capacity building, and professional development. The Friends’ collective impact improves life chances for youth and young adults, and provides economic opportunity to low-income households, working families, and disadvantaged businesses. The impact of the Friends of the Coalition has helped UAC achieve significant growth over the last 5 years, both in fundraising and in overall growth.

Celebrating 50 years of the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the 5th Anniversary of the Friends of the Coalition, UAC is proud to be intentional to attract, develop, and uplift our region’s Leaders through the Friends of the Coalition.

RECRUITMENT

The Friends of the Coalition (Friends) is UAC’s intentional engagement to attract, develop, and uplift our region’s Leaders. The Recruitment Process for new Friends is ongoing. Interested individuals can join the group through:

  • Recruitment & Referrals:  Through the networks of current Friends, Board Members, and Strategic Partners, and Program Partners, we know there are many individuals who are passionate about improving our communities. We want to engage these networks to apply their passion through the work of the Friends of the Coalition.
  • Partnerships:  For 50 years, the Power of Coalition has made the communities we serve stronger. The Friends of the Coalition actively engages leaders from our dedicated Corporate Partners to connect and collaborate to drive change in our communities through the Friends of the Coalition.

COMMITMENT & ENGAGEMENT

The Friends of the Coalition have a commitment to the community and wish to be enthusiastic ambassadors for the Coalition.

A part of their philanthropic leadership, each Friend pledges an annual financial commitment of up to $1,000 – give or get – which directly impacts UAC’s mission and supports the annual efforts of Friends of the Coalition.

The Friends’ philanthropic investment in the Coalition is matched by UAC’s commitment to provide intentional engagement and  development as community and philanthropic leaders.

Below are some examples of annual Friends’ engagement activities:

  • Exclusive networking opportunities with other Friends members and top regional executives through UAC-network events and Friends-hosted events
  • One (1) complimentary ticket and recognition at the UAC’s Anniversary Breakfast
  • One (1) complimentary ticket and recognition at the Friends of the Coalition Anniversary Breakfast Post-Reception
  • Access to select “invitation-only” events during Pennsylvania Society in December
  • Exclusive invitation to the UAC Board of Directors Annual Reception (Invitation Only)
  • Open to new ideas! – email bjohnson2@uac.org to learn more
  • Opportunity to participate in UAC’s Board of Directors mentorship initiative, “Friends of Friends”
  • Opportunity to participate on (1) board-level committee, Program Partner Advisory Committee, and connection to other board-service opportunities in our communities
  • Convene and lead a Friends’ Service Project with a UAC Program Partner during National Volunteer Week
  • Host or Co-host a House Party fundraiser with Friends or with UAC’s Board Members
  • Personal support from UAC’s President and CEO, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, to aide in connecting with other top leaders in Philadelphia