One of the truly unique facets of Foundation Source is how this company has served as a magnet, drawing in the top subject matter experts from all over the country—experts who have dedicated their careers to helping the philanthropic, wealth and technology sectors thrive through innovation. In our new series, we’re tapping into our in-house talent to learn more about our leadership team—from defining career moments to their favorite causes. We’re excited to kick off this conversation with Gillian Howell, our head of client advisory solutions.
Can you tell us about yourself and what drew you to the company?
I have more than 30 years of executive and philanthropic management experience and spent 31 years at Bank of America where I served in multiple philanthropic leadership roles. I was always fascinated by the versatility of private foundations and the ways in which donors can leverage them to be more creative, inventive and effective in their philanthropy. I wanted to work with a company that had that focus with deep subject matter expertise. I also have always appreciated an approach that focused on just services and solutions. All of this is what drew me to Foundation Source, along with their technology, which I knew was second to none.
Please tell us about your role and your team.
My team is focused on delivering relationship management and philanthropic advisory for private foundations. We are the conduit to deliver to clients all the services and solutions Foundation Source has to offer…which is continuing to evolve and expand to offer even more capabilities. Each associate has deep expertise in all aspects of managing foundations. Whatever our clients need, my relationship management team can help, including bringing together all the experts. They’re the problem solvers, the faces of the firm, and they identify and solve for the needs and aspirations of our clients. On the Philanthropic Advisory Services side, they serve as our in-house team of subject matter experts with decades of experience in strategic philanthropy advisory, foundation leadership, governance, private and corporate grantmaking, and next generation integration. We’re a solution provider to our philanthropic clients and it’s our job to listen to the client and understand their needs and be able to deliver.
Foundation Source (and its affiliates) sit at the unique intersection of philanthropy, wealth and technology. How does your unique experience help us lead and innovate to address the changing needs of key stakeholders, including private foundations, nonprofits and advisors?
I’ve spent more than 34 years in the philanthropy space, and during my career, I’ve also been very focused on supporting clients and their advisors. Advisors are key champions of helping to guide their clients to achieve their philanthropic objectives. However, in many cases they are hesitant to have value-based philanthropic conversations with clients. Some may feel it’s too personal and others just don’t feel equipped. However, our clients expect their advisors to talk to them about philanthropy and not just from a tax benefit perspective. In a large percentage, donors are giving primarily for altruistic reasons and are not necessarily motivated by taxes. Donors have an expectation that their advisors are going to introduce them to the right subject matter experts. Advisors who are not facilitating these discussions are leaving money and relationships on the table. At Foundation Source, we equip advisors on how to have and guide these discussions.
I have also worked with all aspects of charitable giving vehicles out there. My unique background has served both nonprofits and HNW. You might say that I’ve worked with the givers and the “getters.” The excitement for me is that Foundation Source is always innovating. We’re a small, nimble firm that listens to clients, and understands and responds to their needs. It’s amazing to see all the new technology that has been introduced with grants management and expense management—all of which can also be accessed from a mobile device. We’re able to implement new features quickly because we’re all connected and have the right experts at the table with years of relevant experience.
What is the best part of your role?
Leading a team of experts that make a difference for clients and their foundations every day. Also, the joy and satisfaction I personally receive from partnering with clients and advisors and seeing the great impact of their philanthropy.
Was there a defining moment in your career that helped lead you to where you are now?
I was really lucky to have strong women leaders in my life. They encouraged and mentored me and saw the potential in me. I learned by listening to them and watching them. To this day, I’m still in contact with them. When I first started in managerial roles with significant client relationships, I was really young and they all took a chance on me and invested in my success.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
Trust your gut and trust your people. I have learned that it’s important to trust yourself. All of the leaders that influenced my career invested in me for a reason. I’ve learned to put that same trust into the people who I believe in because they too have the potential to excel. It’s about giving them the trust and the space to succeed. They’ll do better when you support them.
Share one of your favorite client moments – how did it change your perspective? What did you take away from the experience of working with them?
We worked with a very philanthropic client who was the matriarch and wealth creator. Her family had drifted from their interest in the foundation. She was disappointed and looking for help and partnership on how her foundation could continue to thrive and her legacy continue. We organized a family retreat and invited all her children and grandchildren. We had her grandchildren present their ideas on the foundation, and how they would implement their giving strategies. She had a light bulb moment that it doesn’t have to be about her philanthropy. It’s about how her values manifest themselves in different ways. It doesn’t have to be giving in the same way and to the same causes. She was delighted and gratified by their presentation because she didn’t think her legacy would live on. From this, we created an advisory board that included her grandchildren. We made a difference—her legacy was going to continue.
Do you serve on any boards?
Yes, I was recently appointed to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving board and serve on the investment committee and development committee. I also serve as the treasurer of the Everyday Democracy board and will serve as incoming chair of that board for next year. I’m also a longtime member of the board and past-President of the Trustees of the Colt Bequest Inc., which provides a residence and support for senior women in Hartford and surrounding areas of Connecticut.
What are your favorite causes and/or charities?
Supporting animal charities and animal rights is an important focus of mine and my husband. Another area of our giving focus is women and women’s issues, including domestic violence and any giving opportunities that help a woman thrive. I’m also local in my giving and like to support the Hartford area where I’ve lived for 25 years.
We’re proud to have Gillian’s unique talent and skills as part of our team at Foundation Source and thank her for sharing her story with us!
Questions In the Meantime?
We’re here to help! Schedule a call with us or reach us at 800-839-0054. Together, let’s #begiving.
