The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class entertainment destination located in West Philadelphia. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars, and the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B, and pop take the stage for magical nights under the stars. But the nonprofit is not just about magnificent performing arts experiences. President & CEO Catherine Cahill emphasizes that the Mann is also deeply committed to providing powerful educational experiences and supporting the community.
For the Mann, a proud and active Nonprofit Affiliate Member of the Satell Institute (SI), partnerships are key to achieving their mission. Cahill says the Institute, a Think and Do Tank dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), provides its members with incredible networking opportunities with peers in the corporate and nonprofit sectors that turn into strong relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and alliances.
One of the country’s largest non-profit open-air music centers, the Mann can seat approximately 13,000 patrons and is easily accessible by public transportation, rideshare, bike, or car with plenty of parking on the grounds. The Mann’s main stage, the Presser Foundation Stage in the TD Pavilion, has 4,500 seats under cover with uninhibited views, plus an additional 2,000 terrace seats, as well as seating on the Great Lawn which has room for over 6,000. Concerts on the Skyline Stage can accommodate up to 7,500 guests. Some of the artists who have played at the Mann include The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Roots, The O’Jays & Gladys Knight, The Philly POPS, Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Willie Nelson and Family, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin.
Looking to the Future
Prior to 2019, the Mann completed an 18-month study looking at its Parkside neighborhood to explore the condition, requirements, and needs of the community and its residents – hearing from the residents, themselves – and to identify ways of deepening the Mann’s presence and partnership within that ecosystem. Cahill notes, “We didn’t want to go in and impose what we do well; we wanted to find out what the neighborhoods need and how we could best plug in to address those needs.” In response to the findings, the Mann created multiple programs focused on education for young people, workforce development, and community-based programming and activities on the Mann campus, such as opening on Saturday mornings for a neighborhood farmers’ market.
Partnerships and Collaborations in the Region Are Central to the Mann’s Success
CEO Cahill says partnerships and collaborations are critical. She recognizes that the Mann cannot be everything to everyone, so it strategically engages partners to maximize the reach and success of its programs. “We leverage the skills and expertise of our own team along with the best aligned partners to create holistic programs that have impact,” says Cahill. Whether that is creating virtual global culture lessons, a summer youth orchestra training program, a dance academy, or in-school curriculum-enhancing events, the Mann partners with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Sister Cities Girlchoir, Mad Beatz Philly, the Global Leadership Academy, and more to extend arts education opportunities to the community.
Satell Institute Fosters Strong Networks and New Partnerships
Networking and developing strong partnerships are just a few of the benefits of becoming a Member and Nonprofit Affiliate of the Satell Institute. Cahill notes that “The Institute provides corporate and nonprofit leaders with access to cutting-edge information and best practices and creates an evolving discussion on how to build better communities through corporate-nonprofit partnerships.” To become a member, businesses must make four-year financial commitments of at least $25,000 annually to each nonprofit partner of their choice. Cahill says, “The requirement of $100,000 over four years is pushing the envelope and has created new opportunities for the nonprofits.”
The Mann joined the Satell Institute with its partner TD Bank in 2020. As part of their partnership, TD Bank committed to providing support for the Mann for four years. According to Cahill, the two organizations have built a strong relationship, noting that TD Bank is always looking for additional ways to support the Mann. “We are very blessed to have this partnership,” she said. “It doesn’t get better than the wonderful leadership and team at TD Bank.”
In addition to building networks and partnerships, Cahill acknowledges that CSR education is another important benefit of the Satell Institute. SI hosts numerous events throughout the year, giving members a chance to learn from CSR thought leaders, participate in peer discussions, and implement best practices. Cahill adds that the programs and conferences are a great forum for learning, saying “The Satell Institute helps focus the corporate world on what regional nonprofits need to make progress in the community for those who live and work there.” She says learning about companies, their values, and what inspires corporations to be philanthropic has greatly impacted the Mann’s fundraising activities. “The fact that we can learn, as a nonprofit, who is out there, what is out there, and what makes them tick is essential to our outreach,” she says. “There’s no other place to do that. It doesn’t exist. And that’s a gift.”
The Satell Institute Continues to
Welcome New Members
WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES, INC. SUPPORTS FOUR NONPROFITS
We are thrilled to have membership at the Satell Institute continue to grow as great companies and private businesses and foundations choose to support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This week we welcome new member, Eric M. Green, President & CEO of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Headquartered in Exton, PA, West is a leading manufacturer of packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products.
With great generosity, West chose to support its regional community CSR program with four nonprofits, each receiving a minimum of $25,000 or more a year for four years. They are:
Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM)
CVIM provides compassionate medical and dental care and health education to people who live or work in the Chester County region who lack access to insurance, in order to support their goals to lead productive, healthy, and hopeful lives.
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of the nation’s first dedicated cancer hospitals. Their scientists, researchers, and physicians have made breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, made major contributions to scientific advancement, and have earned the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®(LLS)
LLS is a global leader in the fight against cancer, working to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Young Men & Women in Charge (YMWIC)
YMWIC’s mission is to empower and prepare economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to excel and become leaders in STEM careers through academic tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance programs, accomplished by leveraging alliances with K-12 school districts, universities, corporations, and the Foundation’s committed partners.