Aldus H. Chapin is one of the founders of United Arts Organization of Greater Washington, and served as the president of its board for 27 years. United Arts Organization of Greater Washington (UAO) builds awareness that the arts are essential to a healthy community, and promotes support of its member arts organizations. UAO encourages individuals to make designated contributions to its 65 member organizations through workplace giving campaigns such as United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign.

For 25 years, he served on the board of the Washington Urban League, with several stints on the Executive Committee. He was an elected director of the Harvard University Alumni Association, serving on two visiting committees of Harvard University relating to the arts: the Committee to visit the Fine Arts Department and the Committee to visit University Museums. He also served as Chairman of the Committee to nominate members of Harvard University's Board of Overseers (the University's governing body).

Mr. Chapin served as Associate Dean of the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and has chaired the boards of Washington Performing Arts Society, The Washington Ballet and the Corcoran Gallery of Arts. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the Corcoran Gallery.

Mr. Chapin was awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Community Service by Catholic University in 1993, and was a Washingtonian of the Year in 1995.