Melanie Schnoll Begun

Melanie Schnoll Begun is Head of Philanthropy Management for Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources. For over 20 years, she has worked with many of the Firm’s wealthiest and most influential clients to marry their philanthropic interests with their financial goals. Her team develops focus areas for client’s philanthropy; engages senior and millennial generations in their foundation’s governance; designs customized grant portfolios; aligns client values with impactful investing; and facilitates giving circles, board retreats and educational events.

n 2000, Melanie launched Morgan Stanley GIFT, the Firm’s global Donor-Advised Fund. In 2012, she launched Foundation Management Services, a philanthropic advisory and administrative services platform for corporate and private foundations. She is also responsible for the firm’s Nonprofit and Endowment Consulting Services.

A thought leader, Melanie was honored in May 2014 by the Rotary Club of Verrazano as “Humanitarian of the Year,” and in June 2013 received the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Perseverance Award.” She was also named to the 2017 class of MAKERS@ Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a recognition that celebrates women who are ground breakers, advocates, and innovators in their given field. Melanie is the co-editor of Morgan Stanley’s “Perspectives in Philanthropy” and is a popular speaker. She has published articles in the Journal of Taxation, has been quoted in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Bloomberg and Investment News and has appeared on such programs as “Good Morning America” and CBS News. She received her law degree from Quinnipiac University Law School.

Melanie is an insightful and tireless advocate and exemplifies her professional work by living a life of committed action. She is the former board president and nominating chair of the JDRF New York City chapter and a board member of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). She serves as Morgan Stanley GIFT’s Board President and is on the supporting organization board of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls and The People’s Portfolio. Melanie was formerly on the advisory boards of the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Quinnipiac University Law School and Grameen America.