John Swope cares about this community. He cares about it so passionately he’s made a commitment to match up to $25,000 of new and increased gifts to Granite United Way. This is the first ever challenge match in the Merrimack County for United Way and it is inspiring many to give.
“We’ve been working with some of our long-time supporters to develop new ways to inspire community support through United Way,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “John’s offer to create a challenge match inspired our team and has been a great way to kick off our campaign season. John support over the years has resulted in positive changes throughout Merrimack County. For every new dollar we raise, whether a first-time gift or increased support from a loyal donor, John’s matching it up to $25,000.”
A proud resident of Concord, John Swope has been a donor and volunteer with United Way, and many other local charitable organizations, for over 40 years. John and his late wife, Marjory Swope, were charter members of United Way’s Rumford Leadership Society. He has lived in Concord since 1963 is a retired attorney who served as of counsel to the law firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA from 1995 to 1997, and as President of Chubb Life and it’s predecessors 1977 through 1994. President and CEO of PBS 1999-2000. Executive in Chubb Life and it’s predecessors since the 1960’s.
Mr. Swope is a trustee of The Currier Museum of Art, and a member of the Corporation at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Overseer of the Marine Biological Laboratory. Mr. Swope received a Bachelor’s Degree from Amherst College and a J.D. from Yale Law School. Effective upon completion of the Merger, John F. Swope retired as a trustee of Northeast Utilities.
“One of the greatest things about living in this community is being able to make an impact. That is what I hope to do with this gift, create a positive impact on those living here,” said Swope, who is a Loyal Contributor and member of Granite United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society. “I believe in the power of philanthropy. I hope this challenge will encourage people to give for the first time and also inspire others to increase their support.”
The funds raised through the match will remain local to Merrimack County. Granite United Way is fortunate to have a team of more than 40 review team volunteers in this region who work diligently to invest donor dollars in the most effective way possible. They will continue to focus on United Way’s three impact areas of Health, Education and Income, the building blocks to a better life.
“John Swope’s generosity will undoubtedly inspire others who care about this community,” said Joe Kenney, 2014 Campaign Chair for Merrimack County. “When I talked about this match within our campaign cabinet, it automatically engaged others – for every new dollar they pledge, it’s really like pledging two! It’s essentially creating double the impact.”
To learn more about how you can join the John F. Swope Challenge Match, contact Kristin McGrath, Director of Workplace Campaigns, at 603.224.2595 x225 or email
Kristin.McGrath@graniteuw.org 
