Renee Sovis is a philanthropic advisor and foundation executive with extensive experience helping families translate their values and charitable goals into thoughtful, effective philanthropy.

Renee works closely with family foundations and their Boards of Directors to manage the complexities of private philanthropy from governance and grantmaking to strategy, family engagement, and day-to-day foundation operations. She serves as the primary advisor to several family foundations and as Executive Director of the Margaret Dunning Foundation.

Renee’s approach is grounded in the belief that successful family philanthropy is about more than making grants. It requires a clear understanding of a family’s values, respect for the intentions of its founders, strong relationships with nonprofit partners, and structures that allow current and future generations to participate meaningfully in the family’s giving.

A 21/64 Certified Advisor, Renee has specialized training in multigenerational family philanthropy and works with families to engage rising generations, navigate transitions in leadership, and create opportunities for family members to develop their own philanthropic interests and skills. She is particularly experienced in helping families balance continuity with evolution, preserving the values and legacy that shaped a foundation while allowing each generation to make its own meaningful contribution.

Throughout her career, Renee has advised foundations on strategic grantmaking, governance, nonprofit due diligence, community engagement, board development, and foundation operations. She brings a practical perspective to the work, helping families establish processes that are both professionally sound and appropriately scaled to their needs.

Renee holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in philanthropy and nonprofits from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts from Grand Valley State University. She is active in the philanthropic sector and has contributed to national and regional conversations on family philanthropy, including writing about multigenerational charitable giving, effective nonprofit site visits, and international grantmaking.

Based in Michigan, Renee is also an active nonprofit board member and community volunteer. She brings to her client relationships the same qualities she values in philanthropy: curiosity, collaboration, sound judgment, and a commitment to helping families use their resources in ways that are both personally meaningful and impactful.