ABOUT tower philanthropy
a career committed to the community
Tower Philanthropy was created to help leaders and teams do good, well.
A multi-decade career in non-profit fundraising and program development showed Shannon Tower that the most effective and satisfied contributors were those who had passion and purpose, as well as skill and strategy.
Passion comes from within, but skill and strategy can be supplemented. Through Tower Philanthropy, Shannon partners with individuals and teams at associations, non-profits, and other mission-driven organizations, to hasten professional development and add experience and insights to planning.
Shannon’s services include one-on-one and team coaching; administration and interpretation of assessments that examine skills, traits, behaviors, motivations, and emotional intelligence; and consulting on organizational and fundraising strategies and program development. When a client would be served well by the services or experience of a complementary professional, Shannon calls on colleagues from her network to collaborate.
In purpose-driven organizations, it’s not uncommon to see employees putting themselves second, placing the pressing social needs they address above their own wellbeing. Shannon operates with this in mind, weaving practices and principles that support wellbeing at work through her coaching and consulting.
When you’re ready to level up your results and deliver maximum impact to the community you serve, reach out to learn more about how Shannon can support your leaders and team.
meet Shannon
Shannon Curley Tower has spent more than 25 years advancing the missions of non-profit and mission-driven organizations as a leader, founder, board member, fundraiser, consultant, and coach. At Tower Philanthropy, she draws upon her experience and uses both coaching and consulting to support leaders and organizations in establishing goals, uncovering roadblocks, and moving into productive action.
Shannon holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential through the International Coaching Federation, and she is a certified coach through the Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance program at American University. She is certified by Target Training International in a suite of assessments including DISC, a behavioral style assessment. Shannon believes strongly in the power of coaching, and has seen the investment yield great rewards for her clients in productivity, confidence, and leadership skills.
Prior to founding Tower Philanthropy, Shannon served a wide range of organizations, both as an in-house fundraiser and as a development consultant. Her career began with time at the Land Trust Alliance, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Case Western University’s School of Law. She moved into leadership roles at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Cleveland Clinic, directing philanthropy programs to raise critical funds for medical research and clinical care. Shannon then joined the Gobel Group, a healthcare philanthropy consulting firm, as Principal Consultant and ultimately took on the role of Vice President. There, she worked with hospitals nationwide to build and strengthen philanthropy programs, guide campaign planning, and provide strategic consulting to leaders and frontline fundraisers.
Strong and nuanced communications have always been at the core of Shannon’s work, developed while earning a BA in English from Miami University and a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland.
Philanthropy is a calling for Shannon, not just a job, as evidenced by her extensive volunteerism. In 2000, she co-founded the Foundation for Community Betterment and served as an active board member until 2015 when she became emeritus. Now, she provides pro bono coaching to the organization. Shannon serves on the Board of Trustees at the Key School of Annapolis and co-chairs the Advancement Committee.
Shannon lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and two children. They spend time each summer in the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Shannon and her family love being on and around the water.
The wave parable
Spiritual leader Ram Dass originated the widely-shared Wave Parable, which Shannon considers frequently in her life and work as a coach and consultant. Our situations and surroundings may be ever-shifting, and with mindfulness and support, we can shift and adjust to meet current needs and fulfill our purpose.
Imagine two waves, a smaller one and a larger one, traveling across the ocean. Suddenly, the larger one sees land approaching, and gets upset. He cries to the smaller wave, “Oh, no! Up ahead, waves are crashing and disappearing! We’re going to die!” The smaller wave, somehow, is unperturbed. So, the larger wave tries to convince her, to no avail.
Finally, the smaller wave says, “What would you say if I told you that there are six words, that if you really understood and believed them, you would see that there’s no reason to fear?” The bigger wave protests, but as the land approaches, he becomes desperate. He’ll try anything. “Fine, fine, tell me the six words.”
“Okay,” the smaller wave says, “You’re not a wave, you’re water.”