MW Strategies LLC
Michele Walls, CFRE, SHRM-CP
Principal Consultant
Michele brings over two decades of experience as a trusted leader in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management. Having raised more than $30 million for small and mid-sized organizations, she expertly guides nonprofits across arts, education, cultural, and social justice sectors towards stability and impactful growth.
Through her boutique agency, MW Strategies, Michele provides strategic support to US-based organizations with $100K-$5M annual budgets and 0-10 FTE staff. She specializes in the crucial intersection of fundraising and human resources, recognizing how these areas influence every facet of an organization. Michele works closely with leadership to develop data-driven strategies and compelling stories that foster sustainable relationships, optimize operations, and drive organizational success.
Her comprehensive expertise spans fundraising, human resources, and nonprofit management. Michele excels in major gifts, annual campaigns, capital projects, and grants, while also bringing deep experience in organizational development and team building. She creates effective leadership structures, streamlines operations, and fosters positive workplace cultures. Michele adeptly guides organizations through critical phases like scaling and transitions, emphasizing cross-departmental collaboration, revenue maximization, and enhanced program delivery for long-term sustainability.
In addition to her consulting work, Michele serves on the boards of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, a fiscal sponsor and management commons for the arts, heritage, and creative communities, and the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits. These roles allow her to contribute to the broader development of the sector and stay at the forefront of nonprofit trends and best practices.
A New York City native, Michele has proudly called Philadelphia home since 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Michele balances her professional life with personal interests, enjoying running, cooking, reading, and immersing herself in Philadelphia's dynamic cultural scene, from its world-class music venues and eclectic museums to its renowned restaurant offerings.