Testimonials
“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
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Shari over the last decade on our long-term charitable giving strategy. Shari’s knowledge and expertise has helped us shape our philanthropic endeavors to have the most meaningful impact. She is a caring, trusted and true professional who is dedicated to her community.”
Rich Frank
Former President, Disney Studios
Founder, Frank Family Vineyards
Leslie Frank
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
Co-Founder, Frank Family Vineyards


“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
“Shari is an accomplished pro. She has an easy-going style, the right personality, excellent follow through, and attention to detail. She’s good with projects big and not so big.”
Phil Francis
Former CEO, PetSmart
Nita Francis
Family Foundation President, Community Volunteer
“As a presenter to charitable organizations I work with, Shari has done a terrific job making complex topics easy to understand. Her presentation style appeals to all.
Jeff Secord, CFP® CAP®
Senior Wealth Advisor, Renaissance Wealth Management BN
Programs Chair, Central Illinois Charitable Gift Planners
“I have worked with Shari for many years. She is a skilled professional, has great ideas, and boundless energy. She works hard and effectively to understand her clients’ desires and to help them achieve their goals. Five stars.”
Stanley S. Stroup
Retired Counsel, Wells Fargo & Company
“I appreciated the opportunity to work with Shari Fox on a major gift project for our organization. Shari asked insightful questions during the needs assessment phase which led to my better understanding of both our funding history and the building blocks of a major gift program. In addition to providing professional, well-written project deliverables, Shari also directed me to professional development resources to help me be better prepared to implement the project.”
Leslie Alter
Donor Relations Director
College Bound Opportunities


“Shari has been a pleasure to work with and has been an integral part of our client’s professional advisor team. She helps move the project along to a successful completion!”
John D. Foley, CFP®
LifeWise Wealth Advisors
“Shari Fox presented a workshop for our clients on developing a philanthropic mission statement, and not only was her expertise evident, her enthusiasm and genuine interest in helping individuals find their philanthropic purpose were contagious. Many of our clients have since commented on how much her presentation influenced their approach to planning for future charitable gifts. We look forward to engaging with Shari further to help our clients best use their wealth to make the world a better place.”
Jacob D. Kuebler, CFP®, EA
Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC