Our Story
Conservation starts with people.
The right partners help them grow.
The people closest to the work often have the vision, expertise, and local knowledge to lead lasting conservation efforts. Howell Conservation Fund provides early support that helps those ideas grow into durable environmental impact.
Most funders wait for certainty.
We look for momentum.
The earliest stages of conservation work are often the hardest to fund. Howell Conservation Fund backs community-led conservation at the earliest stage.
We trust the people closest to the problem.
We move early.
We stay close to the work, not just the funding.
We're not meant to be the last funder in the room.
We're a catalytic partner: the first check, the honest conversation, the introduction that opens the next door.
Who we back
Small nonprofits, community organizations, and local experts: people with the knowledge, drive, and proximity to make real change.
How we're different
We don't just fund. We listen, connect, and follow through. We help early-stage conservation work gain momentum.
Where we work
Everywhere. Locally led, globally connected. We work across communities, coastlines, lakes, reefs, and beyond, wherever strong conservation ideas are taking root.
The people behind the work.
Core Team
Our core team turns HCF’s vision into action. They shape our voice, build partnerships, keep the work moving, and help promising conservation ideas get off the ground.
Brett founded Howell Conservation Fund to help early-stage conservation ideas become lasting solutions. Drawing on years of experience across philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and conservation, he works alongside local leaders to provide the funding, guidance, and long-term partnership needed to move promising work from idea to implementation. His belief is simple: the people closest to a challenge are often the ones best equipped to solve it.
Meredith leads communications strategy, brand storytelling, and digital content for HCF. She works across messaging, donor communications, and organizational narrative to translate complex conservation work into clear, human stories that inspire understanding, trust, and support.
Melissa leads HCF’s design and brand strategy. Her work has propelled our next chapter, including our redesigned website, logo, and a people-first visual identity. She focuses on how we show up in the world, what we look and sound like, and elevating our visual storytelling wherever possible. Melissa supports conservation, sustainability, and animal protection, and partners with organizations where thoughtful design can genuinely make a difference.
Melisa serves as HCF's accountant through her role as Partner in the Non-Profit and Education group at Impact Accounting Partners. She's passionate about what's next for the organizations she serves, and believes deeply in the power of nonprofits to change their communities for the better.
Board of Directors
Our board shows up. They ask hard questions, celebrate the wins, and make sure HCF stays true to why we started this work in the first place.
David is a financial advisor with extensive experience in wealth management, investment strategy, and financial planning. He brings that expertise to HCF as Treasurer, helping guide the organization’s financial stewardship and long-term strategy.
Meggie is a historian of medicine and bioethicist whose research examines the intersection of place, human health, and well-being. She holds a PhD in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephanie is a fundraising and growth executive with more than 20 years of experience across conservation, climate, health, and civic organizations, including OCEARCH, Southface Institute, Georgia Aquarium, and Susan G. Komen.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board brings perspective from outside HCF. They challenge our thinking, share their expertise, open doors, and help us make smarter decisions about where HCF can have the most impact.
Johnny leads international marine policy and science efforts for Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy. His work with governments and partners around the world focuses on strengthening marine conservation and securing durable protections for ecologically significant ocean areas.
Matt is a clinical social worker with more than a decade of prior experience in marketing, advertising, research, and communications. He brings HCF expertise in behavior, audience engagement, and how people connect with ideas and causes.
Mike is a technology entrepreneur and investor with nearly 30 years of experience. He has served on senior management teams through two IPOs and five acquisitions and has helped build and back numerous early-stage technology companies.