Michelle L. Arndt
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Accomplished philanthropic professional with more than 20 years of experience in foundation management, grantmaking, nonprofit evaluation, donor engagement, and charitable planning. Proven success managing complex grant portfolios, conducting due diligence, cultivating strategic partnerships, and maximizing philanthropic impact.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Grant Director
T.W. Lewis Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
08.2021 - Current
- Manage grantmaking activities across five funding pillars: Children & Families, Educating Our Youth, Civic & Cultural, Strengthening America, and University Programs.
- Oversee a portfolio of 35+ nonprofit partners, including grant agreements, reporting requirements, compliance, and stewardship.
- Administer the Foundation's online grant application, review process, and response letters, ensuring a consistent and effective applicant experience.
- Conduct financial and organizational due diligence, site visits, and impact assessments to evaluate nonprofit effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit executives and staff, board members, donors, and community leaders.
- Prepare funding recommendations, grant analyses, and monthly reports for Foundation leadership.
- Coordinate grant payments with the CFO, ensuring timely distribution and regulatory compliance.
- Identify and recommend high-impact philanthropic investment opportunities aligned with Foundation priorities.
Senior Philanthropic Advisor & Grants Management Professional
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
08.2012 - 08.2021
- Managed a portfolio of more than 140 charitable funds, providing philanthropic guidance and exceptional donor stewardship.
- Partnered with donors, attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, trust officers, and business leaders to develop customized charitable giving strategies.
- Cultivated new business through professional advisor networks, donor referrals, and community engagement initiatives.
- Collaborated with executive leadership, board members, and volunteer committees to advance strategic philanthropic initiatives.
- Secured over $13 million in new gifts and fund commitments during FY21.
- Conducted grant due diligence and ensured compliance with Foundation policies and IRS regulations.
- Oversaw grant distributions, agreements, and reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations across Arizona, nationally, and internationally.
Admissions & Marketing Coordinator
Keystone Montessori School
Phoenix, AZ
04.2000 - 08.2012
- Directed admissions, enrollment management, marketing, and community outreach for a Montessori school serving students from toddler through 9th grade.
- Led annual fundraising galas and golf tournaments that generated more than $100,000 annually.
- Managed marketing communications, community relations, payroll administration, financial operations, and compliance reporting.
- Strengthened family engagement and community partnerships to support enrollment growth and organizational visibility.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude - Communication, Nonprofit Administration; Film & Media Production
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZSkills
- Grantmaking & Grants Management
- Philanthropic Advising
- Financial & Organizational Due Diligence
- Program Evaluation
- Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Strategic Partnerships
- Foundation Operations
- Community Engagement
- Fundraising & Development
- Planned Giving
- Board Relations
- Salesforce CRM
- QuickBooks
Certification
- Certified Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP)
- Arizona Notary Public
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & BOARD SERVICE
Board Member, Helping Hands for Single Moms, Graduate, Valley Leadership Class 36, Former Board Member, Feeding Matters, Former Board Member, Daring Adventures, Member, Valley Leadership Man & Woman of the Year Committee, Volunteer, 100+ Women Who Care, Co-Chair, Be A Leader Foundation –Success Walk-a-Thon, Volunteer, Hospice of the Valley – Gardiner Home
Timeline
Senior Grant Director
T.W. Lewis Foundation
08.2021 - Current
Senior Philanthropic Advisor & Grants Management Professional
Arizona Community Foundation
08.2012 - 08.2021
Admissions & Marketing Coordinator
Keystone Montessori School
04.2000 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude - Communication, Nonprofit Administration; Film & Media Production
Arizona State University