Michelle Cramer is a visionary leader driven by a deep belief in the power of philanthropy to inspire transformational change. As the Founder and CEO of Cramer & Associates, she and her team have built a nationally renowned philanthropic consultancy rooted in entrepreneurial energy, strategic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to nonprofit success. Fundraising isn’t just Michelle’s profession, it is her life’s calling.
Since 1987, Michelle has been working tirelessly in the fundraising space, becoming a trusted industry expert. Her guidance has empowered hundreds of nonprofit organizations to dream bigger, extend their reach, and grow their impact. Under her leadership, the Cramer team has provided campaign counsel to nearly 800 charitable organizations, foundations, and corporations, collectively helping them raise over $1.5 billion. In Central Ohio and across the country, her work has helped bring to life libraries, schools, food pantries, homeless shelters, animal welfare organizations, and countless mission-driven initiatives that serve families today and for generations to come.
Michelle’s leadership has earned national recognition, including being named “Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). A respected voice in the field, she is frequently invited to speak and facilitate at national conferences, including AFP’s Hemispheric Conference on Fundraising and AFP ICON. She has also served as Dean of the AFP/Giving Institute Consultants School, helping shape the next generation of nonprofit consultants. Michelle’s expertise is further featured in The Nonprofit Consulting Playbook: Winning Strategies from 25 Leaders in the Field, where she shares insights drawn from decades of experience guiding mission-driven organizations to success.
An alumna of The Ohio State University, Michelle is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds a BoardSource certification in Nonprofit Board Education. She has served on several nonprofit boards, including The Catholic Foundation, the Dublin Community Foundation, and the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations.
Family is deeply important to Michelle, where she finds joy embracing life with her husband, Jim, and their three daughters, two of whom proudly carry on her legacy as members of the Cramer & Associates team.
