Testimonials
“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
“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
“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
“I am thrilled to share my heartfelt appreciation for Shari Fox at Fox Philanthropic Advisors and the exceptional service she provides our donors. Shari’s knowledge and expertise are invaluable–and she’s been an incredible resource. Her guidance and insights have made the complex world of philanthropy easier to navigate and have also empowered our donors to make a more significant impact with their giving.
Shari’s commitment to her work is evident in the personalized attention she provides each donor, ensuring their unique philanthropic goals are not only met but exceeded. Her passion for making a difference in the world is contagious and has inspired those she works with to pursue a higher level of charitable giving.
In a field that requires both finesse and deep understanding, Shari Fox stands out as an exceptional professional. Her dedication to helping donors make informed and impactful decisions is truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend Shari and Fox Philanthropic Advisors to anyone seeking expert guidance in the world of philanthropy”
Angie Hatfield Marker, CAP®
Former President & CEO
Community Foundation of East Central Illinois
“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 (deceased)
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 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.”
Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC
“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®
“When our local nonprofit partners expressed a need to bolster their fundraising skills last year, we knew Shari Fox would be the right person to deliver this content. Through our Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Shari presented three informative workshops on building endowments and understanding how to allocate limited resources to enhance fundraising programs. Her educational sessions are fun, smart, and engaging. Shari is a skilled presenter and brings a wealth of knowledge and practical examples that have enabled our local nonprofit leaders to build their capacity as effective fundraisers.”
Genevieve Kirk
Center for Nonprofit Excellence Director
Community Foundation of East Central Illinois
“This will be a lightweight comment, compared to many others, but it is no less sincere or grateful. Shari Fox provided the frank, professional guidance to an inspiration that had little grasp of the necessary steps. An award of the scholarship is now to the stage of a university-wide announcement. Thank you, Shari, for making this work!”
Larry Boze
Retired Agricultural Researcher
“Shari makes challenging topics approachable for individuals and agencies with varying levels of experience with fundraising. She is warm, genuine, and brings an incredible depth of knowledge. Building a development program at a small non-profit can be daunting, but working with Shari and her team has given the staff and Board at RACES the tools needed to create a strategy and a structure for success.”
Jaya Kolisetty, MA, MBA
Executive Director
Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (RACES)
“Shari Fox provides thoughtful, thorough assistance in planning and executing philanthropic giving. She cares deeply about her clients and ensuring they fulfill their philanthropic goals.”
Wynne Korr, PhD
Professor and Dean Emerita
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
“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