Melissa Cowley Wolf

Melissa Cowley Wolf has over 20 years of experience in philanthropy, programming, and strategic & campaign planning for cultural institutions across the United States. She has worked on fundraising campaigns up to $4 Billion alongside internationally renowned cultural, corporate, and academic leaders, philanthropists, collectors, and artists.

Melissa is the founder of MCW Projects LLC, an advisory firm specializing in next era philanthropic, organizational wellness, and experience advising for the cultural, nonprofit, academic, and financial sectors. Clients, collaborators, and partners include cultural organizations, museums, foundations, artists, philanthropists, family offices, financial institutions, media companies, universities, galleries, art fairs, auction houses, and corporations throughout the world.

As an advisor, strategist, and advocate dedicated to re-imagining and democratizing cultural philanthropy to better engage diverse generations and audiences, she was named to the Artnet Innovators List as one of the global innovators transforming the art industry.

Melissa is also the director of the Arts Funders Forum (AFF), an advocacy, media, convening, and research platform designed to increase private support for the arts and develop new models of impact-driven financial support for the cultural sector.

Her work has been profiled in The New York Times, Financial Times, Inside Philanthropy, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Art Newspaper, Artnet News, and more. Melissa has contributed to Artnet, Museum Magazine (AAM), and the International Family Offices Journal. She is a certified yoga instructor, a member of the World Economic Forum Arts & Culture Global Solidarity Network, a consultant for IPM Advancement and Wolf Management Consultants, LLC, and a frequent international speaker on cultural philanthropy, strategy, and next gen trends. Melissa has lived, studied, and worked across the US, EU, and Africa.

Melissa Cowley Wolf will be speaking at the Museum Fundraising Summit on 17 July 2023:

Fundraising for the Future: The Future is NOW

In a world of “permanent change,” the arts sector faces a shifting paradigm due to global events, income inequality, and social, racial, and climate justice demands. Now more than ever, it’s vital to update arts funding models for the new era of philanthropy.

Embracing radical change and showcasing social value, impact, and relevance are crucial. The industry’s survival and prosperity depend on its adaptability, engagement, and utilization of cutting-edge technologies. Join us to reimagine the future of arts funding and unlock lasting success!