About Me

Michelle Cramer is a fundraising industry veteran with more than two decades of hands-on consulting experience and campaign successes. Her knowledge and insights are fully complemented by her unwavering passion, high energy, and total commitment to the needs of their clients. Cramer & Associates’ portfolio of successful capital campaigns and special projects includes The Ohio State University, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Directions For Youth & Family, Lorain County Community College, The Dr. Martin Luther King National Memorial, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Columbus YWCA - which has become a national model with its all-female cabinet.

Experience
Michelle was introduced to the world of philanthropy when she began her career as Director of Public Affairs for an NBC television affiliate in Columbus, Ohio. During her tenure, she positioned the station as a community leader in philanthropy.

Michelle’s 22 years with Hodge Cramer & Associates solidified her reputation as one of the most respected fundraising consultants in the industry. For seven consecutive years, Michelle has served as Dean of the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals/Giving Institute (AFP/GI) Consultants School at the AFP International Fund Raising Conference. She and her prestigious faculty conduct the most comprehensive fundraising consulting training in the United States and the world. No individual has had a greater impact on the education of America’s philanthropic consultants than Michelle: More than 500 practicing consultants and development officers have participated in the outstanding academic program she developed and implements with her faculty. Michelle’s dynamic and passionate approach to trainings and presentations are sought internationally. Her presentation at the 2007 Hemispheric Congress on Fundraising in Mexico City, entitled “How To Become A Fundraising Consultant and What It Takes To Be Successful In the 21st Century,” was recognized among the top three presentations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Giving Institute, an association comprised of thirty-five of the country’s most respected fundraising consulting firms.

A woman of Hispanic (Peruvian) descent, Michelle is personally committed to organizations that positively affect women, children, families, and minorities.

Professional & Community Involvement
Association of Fund-Raising Professionals
Giving Institute – Board Member since 2000

• Since 2003, Michelle has served as Dean for the AFP/AAFRC Consultants School held at the AFP International Fund Raising Conference

St. Brigid of Kildare School - Chair, Annual Fund Drive

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, Ohio State University

Past / Current Client Sample

• Assistance Dogs of America

• Columbus YWCA

• Directions for Youth & Families

• Columbus YWCA

• Fayette County YMCA

• Franklin Park Conservatory

• Fraternal Order of Eagles

• Greenville Public Library

• Holden Aboretum

• Mental Health of America

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

• The Ohio State University

• Trinity Episcopal Church

• Union County YMCA

Personal
She resides in Dublin, Ohio with her husband Jim and their three daughters Katie, Lexie and Sophie.