Beyond the Ask: Building nonprofit board champions with Michele Walls

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: 

• the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding. 

• how fundraising is a team effort and a long game. 

• 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:

1. People give to people—leaders must be visible and engaged.

2. Fundraising is a shared responsibility.

3. 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:

Michele Walls

MW Strategies LLC

The National Council of Nonprofits

 

Be in Touch: 

✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 

 

📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 

👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 

 

🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 

 

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn