Our dear friend and colleague, Ellen Howe, retired in December. We sat down with her to reflect on a remarkable career.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did you end up in this work? It wasn’t exactly a linear path. Right after college, I volunteered in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, which really opened my eyes to what can happen when people come together to solve problems. But I started my career as a junior high science teacher, which I loved. Junior high kids are smart alecks, and so am I, so it worked.
But there was a detour along the way… Yes, pharmaceutical sales. It was excellent training for the rest of my life, but I eventually realized I missed doing work I really believed in. That brought me back to mission-driven work at the YMCA. I did some program development and eventually some fundraising. I really just kind of fell into it.
How did you end up at TRG?
I was looking for some flexibility in my schedule, and Amy Rome was looking for some additional capacity. That was 2008, and as you know, the economy eventually tanked. TRG was looking to stay in business while the nonprofits we served were also looking to stay afloat. The ground shifted – not unlike what’s happening today. The game is changing again.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the STL nonprofit sector since you started?
St. Louis once had a stronger corporate giving culture, thanks to a larger Fortune 500 presence. Today, more nonprofits recognize that individual donors, particularly major gifts, are critical.
You’ve worked on a lot of major gifts and campaigns. What do you enjoy most about fundraising? Major gifts, without a doubt. The return on investment is huge. But more importantly, it reminds you why you’re doing the work. When you get a donor excited about your mission, it’s just the best.
You’ve helped lead some very successful campaigns. What do they have in common? People. Usually, it’s a leader who believes deeply in the campaign or a few committed donors who are willing to step up and lead.
What advice would you give someone new to fundraising? Learn to tell a compelling story. You cannot overestimate the importance of the story.
Three words to describe your career? Meaningful. Fun. Varied.
And retirement — what’s the plan? More exercise, biking in Ireland this summer, swimming, tap lessons at COCA, time with my grandchildren, and helping out a few nonprofits I care about.
If one thing is clear, it's this: Ellen's impact won't retire, even if she has. Her influence will continue to show up in the people and organizations she's touched. Thank you, Ellen!
A SECTOR IN CRISIS: How U.S. Nonprofits and Foundations are Responding to Threats
Sweeping cuts to federal government funding have left nonprofits reeling nationwide, forcing many to make difficult reductions to their staffing and programming — often simply to keep their doors open and their communities safe. At the same time, demand for nonprofits’ services has increased dramatically.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) sought to gain an updated, comprehensive, and current understanding of what nonprofits and foundations are experiencing in the current context, and how they are choosing to respond.
Nonprofits are entering 2026 facing a familiar mix of pressure and possibility. To better understand where the sector may be heading, NonProfit PRO asked nonprofit professionals, consultants, and technology leaders to share their predictions for the year ahead. The result is “40 Nonprofit Trends for 2026,” a new resource featuring insights across fundraising, technology, donor engagement, leadership, and sector strategy.
The Fundraising Effectiveness Project highlighted the importance of donor retention and upgrades, emphasizing the need for nonprofit professionals to focus on lasting, transformational donor relationships instead of transactional engagements.
Upward Momentum: Bridging Divides Open Call Proposal
Upward Momentum, a Missouri-based philanthropic initiative launched in August 2024 to address the root causes of generational poverty and enhance economic mobility across the state, is pleased to announce a second round of funding under Bridging Divides. This open call aims to support initiatives that are looking to grow or expand promising work that can help leaders and institutions collectively drive change and sustainable impact. Applications are due on March 31st, 2026, at midnight.
FOCUS St. Louis is currently accepting applications from both nonprofits and candidates for its Spring 2026 round of BoardBridge, an initiative designed to help connect nonprofits and potential board members. Space is limited, and applications will close on April 17, or earlier if capacity is reached.
United Way of Greater St. Louis 2027-2029 Safety Net Funding Cycle
United Way of Greater St. Louis will be accepting applications for its 2027-2029 Safety Net Funding Cycle. United Way’s Safety Net is a collaborative network of agencies that deliver an array of essential direct services to address the region’s most pressing needs by helping families and individuals work towards stability.
Missouri Alliance for Arts Education: St. Louis Arts Education Collaborative Networking Event
The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education wishes to promote collaboration and encourages all members of the St. Louis arts education ecosystem to come together at a FREE networking event on June 9, 2026, from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Loretto-Hilton Theater in Webster Groves.
Enterprise Bank & Trust and Nine PBS: "From Chaos to Joy: Leading in a Time of Great Transition"
Join Enterprise Bank & Trust and Nine PBS for a morning of networking and a timely discussion with fellow nonprofit leaders on Thursday, April 30, from 8-9:15 AM. Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS, will lead a discussion about prospective challenges and how to lead your team to success.
Answering the most pressing questions faced by nonprofit leaders around the world, Joan Garry's podcast is created for the heroic leaders in our society who commit themselves to public service - executive directors, senior staff, heads of school, development professionals, board leaders, and many more who provide service to the nonprofit sector.
Ed Bryant, Executive Director, Consumers Council of Missouri
Lauren Campbell, Director of Program & Community Engagement, Home Works
Christina Cook, Senior Director of Philanthropy Operations and Analytics, SLSO
Mercedes Crayton, Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor, Lutheran Family and Children's Services
Latosha Fowlkes, President & CEO, Paraquad
Heather Jaconis, Senior Director of Operations, International Institute of St. Louis
Amber Johansen, National Vice President, Arthritis Foundation
Julia Lucas,Director of Donor Initiatives, YouthBridge Community Foundation
Rosalynn Robinson, Director of HR, Operation Food Search
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