A Trusted Partner in Philanthropy: Mary Ellen Garrett on Guiding Clients to Meaningful Impact

For Mary Ellen Garrett, philanthropy is not just a financial decision—it’s a deeply personal one. As an advisor with Merrill Lynch, she has spent decades helping clients think through how they want to give back, and where their resources can make the greatest difference. Throughout her career, one partner has remained constant: the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

“I’ve been working with the Foundation for more than 40 years,” she says. “It’s a stable part of this community, and I love recommending them when it’s the right fit.”

Mary Ellen’s connection to the Foundation has evolved over time, from managing client relationships to collaborating on introductions and engaging alongside other philanthropic leaders in Atlanta. Her work with organizations like United Way, including serving as a trustee on its worldwide board, has given her a broad perspective on the nonprofit landscape. Through it all, she has seen firsthand the role the Foundation plays in connecting people, resources, and ideas to create meaningful impact.

Helping Clients Find Their Way

In her role, Mary Ellen often works with clients who want to give but aren’t sure where to start. That’s where the Foundation becomes invaluable.

“Sometimes clients don’t know who they want to give to,” she explains. “The Foundation is that great neutral source that helps match a family’s interests with the needs of the community.”

Through donor-advised funds and tailored guidance, the Foundation serves as an extension of the services Mary Ellen provides, offering local expertise, nonprofit vetting, and opportunities for deeper engagement. She often encourages clients to participate in Foundation events and educational offerings, especially those designed to help families think about philanthropy together.

“They do a lot of teaching for families,” she says. “That’s been invaluable, especially when you’re trying to involve the next generation in giving.”

A Center of Gravity for Giving

For Mary Ellen, what truly sets the Foundation apart is its ability to bring everything together, serving as a trusted hub for philanthropic planning in Atlanta.

“The Community Foundation helps my clients participate in the community in the way they want to,” she says. “It makes it possible to develop your charitable giving based on what matters most to your family.”

That combination of deep community knowledge, long-standing relationships, and collaborative spirit creates something unique. Whether clients are seasoned philanthropists or just beginning their giving journey, the Foundation provides both the structure and flexibility to support their goals.

“What sets the Foundation apart is its rich history in Atlanta and the experience it brings,” Mary Ellen says. “They’ve built strong relationships across the nonprofit community, and that makes a real difference.”

Building for Today—and the Next Generation

As philanthropic options have expanded over the years, Mary Ellen has seen the value of having a trusted, community-centered partner become even more important. For families thinking not just about where to give today, but how to build a legacy, the Foundation plays a critical role.

“In Atlanta, philanthropic strategy requires thoughtful consideration, both for your family’s needs and for the next generation,” she says. “The Foundation is so good at helping families navigate that.”

For Mary Ellen, that’s what makes the relationship enduring. It’s not just about facilitating transactions. It’s about helping clients engage more deeply, give more intentionally, and ultimately, make a lasting impact.