Jun 17, 2025
In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore:
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the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding.
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how fundraising is a team effort and a long game.
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how to move from reactive panic to strategic action—even amid uncertainty and funding contractions.
Episode highlights:
🤝 Fundraising is a Team Sport
[08:45]
Top fundraising tips:
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People give to people—leaders must be visible and engaged.
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Fundraising is a shared responsibility.
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Relationships take time—there are no shortcuts.
🌱 Cultivating Donors with Care
[10:45]
Michele walks through the process of moving a new connection into a
meaningful donor relationship. Key steps include follow-up,
inviting prospects to experience the mission firsthand, and paying
attention to readiness cues before making the ask.
🔍 Assessing Capacity and Readiness
[14:15]
From simple Google searches to full wealth screenings, Michele
outlines how to evaluate a donor’s giving potential while staying
grounded in ethical relationship-building.
💡 Leading Through Uncertainty
[16:45]
With funding sources in flux, Michele advises nonprofits to stay
calm, stay informed, and deepen relationships with current funders.
Direct communication is more important than ever.
🌈 Strategic Diversification
[20:45]
Diversify, but do it with intention. Michele recommends starting
with mid-level donors and using board connections. It's not about
doing everything—it's about doing the right next thing.
📣 Boards as PR Champions
[23:15]
Not every board member needs to be a fundraiser, but every board
member should be a storyteller. Sharing the mission builds the
foundation for future support.
🧩 What is Fractional Fundraising?
[26:45]
Michele explains her approach to fractional fundraising: part-time
support with full-time expertise. From strategy to grant writing to
board coaching, she fills gaps and builds capacity.
🔍 Onboarding with Intention
[30:45]
Every client engagement begins with deep listening, thoughtful
review of materials, and an exploration of what's working, what
needs attention, and what priorities are driving fundraising.
🧭 The Question Every Leader Should Ask
[33:15]
“What can I say no to?”
Michele challenges leaders to focus, set boundaries, and recognize
that saying no can create space for greater impact.
Guest Bio:
Michele brings two decades of experience in fundraising,
communications, and nonprofit management. Having raised over $30
million for small and mid-sized organizations, she guides
nonprofits across arts, education, cultural, and social justice
sectors towards stability and growth.Through MW Strategies, Michele
supports organizations with $100K-$5M budgets,specializing in
fundraising and human resources. She develops data-driven
strategies and compelling stories that drive success.Michele excels
in major gifts, campaigns, and grants, while bringing expertise in
organizational development. She guides organizations through
critical phases,emphasizing collaboration and revenue
maximization.Michele serves on the boards of CultureWorks Greater
Philadelphia and theAssociation of Consultants to Nonprofits. A
Philadelphia resident, she holds degrees from the University of
Delaware and Drexel University, balancing her professional life
with interests in running, cooking, and the city's cultural
scene.
Important Links and Resources:
The National Council of Nonprofits
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