
Effective and
meaningful
philanthropy
one donor
at a time
Welcome to
Fox Philanthropic Advisors
At Fox Philanthropic Advisors, we help individuals and families become intentional philanthropists so they can effect meaningful change with the same planning and strategic thought they devote to their other investments. We work alongside our clients’ financial, tax, and legal advisors to help them clarify their philanthropic goals and implement plans and structures to achieve them.
There is so much potential for each of us to impact positive change in the world. But doing so successfully requires time and attention to the following.
- Identifying where you want to invest for change and defining what that success looks like to you.
- Maximizing what you can do now, as well as later.
- Deciding when and how you involve others.
- Determining which tools and techniques will work best for you in light of your entire personal and financial plans.
- Evaluating success and learning along the way.
You probably utilize advisors’ expertise in financial, tax, and estate planning to help define and meet goals for yourself and your family. Why wouldn’t you do the same to effect the change you’d like to see in the world?
Let us help.

Our
Mission
We help people have meaningful impact on the world through thoughtful, effective philanthropy.
Effective
Philanthropy
Every donor has different goals. We work with individuals and their advisors to develop and implement plans that are meaningful, smart, and effective for them.
One Donor
at a Time
We give every person the same time and attention, whether you are a seasoned philanthropist or just getting started.
Why work with us?
If you find yourself asking these questions below, consider scheduling a free introductory phone call with me.
I think there may be smarter ways for me to make charitable gifts than just using my checkbook and credit card, but I don’t know what those are for me.
I’ve inherited some money and am thinking about giving some to charity, but I don’t know how to do it well.
How do I involve my young/teen/adult children in my philanthropy?
How do I know whether my gifts are making a difference?
I’m revising my estate plan and considering including charity, but I don’t know how to do that well.
How do I know if I have enough money to be a philanthropist?
How do I use my donor advised fund or private foundation more strategically?



Hear from our clients
“Shari Fox was immensely helpful when we first began to consider how to have the impact we wanted following the sale of our company. She helped us navigate conversations with the University of Illinois, asking questions to fully understand our goals and build confidence in our plan. Shari is a trusted partner to us as we consider future philanthropic investments.”
Catherine Kleinmuntz
Principal, Kleinmuntz Associates
“We have worked with Shari Fox for years in critical areas of our philanthropic giving. She is extraordinary – broadly knowledgeable, smart, experienced, strategic and importantly, caring. She works with us as a partner – listening, brainstorming, advising. You know you are working with a pro.”
William H. Donaldson
Former Chairman and CEO,
Securities and Exchange Commission
Founding Dean, Yale School of Management
Jane Phillips Donaldson
Founder, Phillips Oppenheim
Former Chair, University of Illinois Foundation