About development by design, llc

At Development by Design, we bring a unique blend of hands-on nonprofit leadership, strategic insight, and capacity-building expertise. We offer practical, strategic partnership to help organizations grow stronger from the inside out.

Deep nonprofit experience

Michelle and her associates have led higher ed departments and nonprofit programs from the inside, giving her a 360-degree understanding of leadership, program management, and resource challenges. This lived experience ensures their guidance is grounded, actionable, and aligned with the realities organizations face.

A holistic, long-term approach

Development by Design, LLC takes a comprehensive view of organizational growth. Rather than focusing solely on grant proposals, we help organizations assess their capacity, strengthen internal systems, and build sustainable fundraising and leadership structures. Our work is rooted in long-term strategy.

Commitment to teaching and capacity-building

We are dedicated to empowering organizations, not creating dependency. Through her instructional work and grant life-cycle training, she equips teams with the knowledge and tools they need to understand funder relations, develop stronger proposals, manage grants effectively, and build internal fundraising capability.

"Development by Design is different because we don’t just write grant proposals - we help you build a stronger organization."

- Michelle Cole, Development by Design, LLC