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