About
MCW PROJECTS LLC IS AN ADVISORY FIRM FOUNDED IN 2017 IN ANTICIPATION OF THE LARGEST WEALTH TRANSFER IN HISTORY.
The next era of philanthropy requires a different kind of leadership.
MCW Projects works at the intersection of leadership development, organizational strategy, and philanthropy, helping leaders, boards, and institutional teams see around corners, challenge assumptions, connect the dots, and turn insight into action.
PEOPLE
Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Transitions & Wellness
ORGANIZATIONS
Strategy, Governance, Campaigns & Institutional Alignment
PHILANTHROPY
Donor Engagement & Next Generation Giving
ADVOCACY
Cultural Philanthropy and Impact-Driven Models
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MCW Projects is a founder-led interdisciplinary advisory practice.
Melissa Cowley Wolf is a strategic advisor, executive coach, author, speaker, and wellness practitioner working at the intersection of leadership, organizational strategy, and philanthropy. With more than 20 years of experience advising executives, boards, philanthropists, and institutions—including work on capital campaigns of up to $4 billion—she brings a combination of strategic insight, firsthand executive experience, and a deep understanding of the interconnected forces shaping institutional change. Her approach is grounded in a simple conviction: meaningful institutional transformation begins with the people leading it.
In 2017, Melissa founded MCW Projects LLC in anticipation of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, recognizing that the movement of wealth, power, and influence would fundamentally reshape philanthropy and institutional leadership. Guided by the belief that the next era of philanthropy requires a different kind of leadership, she built an interdisciplinary advisory practice connecting executive coaching, organizational strategy, governance, change management, and philanthropic planning. Today, she partners with cultural and nonprofit organizations, foundations, family offices, financial institutions, and creative enterprises around the world to challenge assumptions, align priorities, and turn insight into action.
Named a “Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry”, Melissa is also Director of the Arts Funders Forum, where she advances conversations about the future of cultural philanthropy, impact-driven giving, and next generation leadership. Her perspectives have been featured in The New York Times, Financial Times, The Art Newspaper, and other publications. Having lived, studied, and worked across the United States, Europe, and Africa, Melissa brings a global worldview to her practice.
““What sets Melissa’s practice apart is her holistic approach to organizational development.””
““My work with Melissa has given me the tools and perspective I needed to place my own work and decisions in the context of the life of the organization.””
““Melissa’s presentation to our Board was engaging and substantive, and resulted in nearly unanimous enthusiastic support of our new direction.””
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