Debra Michaels
Dot connector fueling nonprofit growth
- Role
- Co-founder at Beyond Fundraising
- Location
- Brooklyn, NY, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Debra Michaels
I’m a builder, not just of programs — but of the scaffolding, strategy, and relationships that make social impact work work.With 15+ years at the intersection of nonprofit and social impact sector, I’ve led fundraising teams, designed cross-sector partnerships, and advised B Corps, funders, and mission-driven companies on how to align values with results. My background spans local nonprofits, national intermediaries, and tech-for-good ecosystems — and at every stage, I’ve seen the same pattern: nonprofits are asked to do more with less, while the infrastructure to support them remains underinvested and outdated.That’s why I am partnering with nonprofits, funders, B Corps, and tech platforms to co-create value-aligned solutions that strengthen revenue engines, unlock capacity, and center community. We don’t just look for win-wins — we design ecosystems that sustain and scale what works.I also co-founded Beyond Fundraising, an initiative focused on helping small and mid-sized nonprofits build the revenue muscles and confidence they need to thrive. Through peer learning, high-ROI tools, and sector collaboration, we help organizations move from scarcity to strategy.My superpower? Connecting dots across silos, sectors, and systems — and translating complexity into momentum. Whether you’re a funder, nonprofit, or service partner, I’d love to explore how we can build toward impact, together.Core strengths:+ Believer in the win-win-win+ Tenacious cultivator of potential+ Resourceful operator, strategist, project manager and team lead+ Energetic advocate and cheerleader for impact+ Strategic dot connector across sectors+ Believer in the power of tech to increase efficiency and amplify impact with training, adoption pathways, and customer success“Possibility starts with those who dare to imagine beyond what’s considered reasonable.”
Experience
Co-founder
Apr 2025 — Present
As a co-founder of an initiative with Kait Williams Philanthropy, I equip small fundraising shop nonprofits with essential tools and knowledge. Through webinars and tailored programs, we aimed to enhance their fundraising capabilities and foster stability and growth. Our goal is to support donor engagement and fundraising efficiency.
Education
Scarsdale High School
High School Diploma
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Organizational Behavior and Management
Northwestern University
BA, Psychology and Political Science
Skills
- Coaching
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Press Releases
- Fundraising
- Community Engagement
- Entrepreneurship
- Program Management
- Stewardship
- Engagement
- Strategy
- Social Networking
- Research
- Social Services
- Social Media Marketing
- Recruiting
- Community Outreach
- Community Development
- Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Planning
- Interviews
- Leadership Development
- Public Speaking
- Workforce Development
- Event Planning
- Communication
- Volunteer Management
- Training
- Career Development
- Nonprofits
- Blogging
- Resume Writing
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Communication Skills
- Workshop Facilitation
- Philanthropy
- Social Media
- Career Counseling
- Leadership
- Grant Writing
- Event Management
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