28: Darcie Champagne Wells | Celebrating $100 Million Milestone

Nonprofit fundraising milestones reflect more than just numbers—they celebrate lasting impact. In Episode 28, Lindsay speaks with Darcie Champagne Wells about the strategy, persistence, and leadership behind reaching a $100 million milestone. Darcie shares lessons learned and advice for sustaining momentum beyond major campaign achievements.

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A Reflection on Lessons Learned from a Fundraiser Who Has Raised Over $100 Million

“You have to have fire. Don’t do it unless you’ve got fire for it for some reason. Whether it’s the person you wanna learn from or the mission you are going to serve, have fire for it.” Share on X

When it comes to pursuing a career in fundraising, people like Darcie Champagne Wells are worth watching. She is a Nonprofit Executive and Market Leader at March of Dimes in the Greater Houston Area. Darcie is deeply passionate about her work and recently celebrated a major milestone—raising $100 million with her team!

She has been with the March of Dimes for 12 years and in the fundraising profession for 25 years. Yet for Darcie, this is only the beginning. She hopes to raise her next $100 million in half the time.

Darcie and I first connected during The Campaign to End Premature Birth at March of Dimes. Our team designed and launched a major gifts program together (special shout-outs to a few teammates at the end of these show notes!). In this episode, we share a friendly conversation that moves away from formality and into a space of truth and authenticity—my favorite kind of podcast.

Fundraising Is a Collaborative Effort

Darcie caught the “philanthropy bug” while pursuing her MBA at the University of Houston. One of her professors offered her a role as director of development—introducing her to a career she didn’t even know existed.

She quickly realized she had both talent and passion for inviting people to fund critical programs. While at UH, Darcie met her first major donor. The $25,000 gift she received 25 years ago has stuck with her. That donor remains a mentor and a key influence in her career.

For Darcie, the real reward in fundraising lies in the relationships. More than accomplishments, awards, or dollars raised, she believes trust builds true community. Fundraising is not solo work. It requires a team, volunteers, and a collective spirit to drive change. Together, we can create lasting impact.

Passion Gives You Energy

Finding your flow—where nothing else matters—is a powerful feeling. That is what true passion feels like.

If you do not feel that way about your current work, it may be time to rethink your path. Ask yourself, “What lights me up?” Passion can come from many different places.

If you lack emotional connection with your mission or colleagues, take time to find that thing you love. Find the work you would do for free. It will give you energy, clarity, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

01:53 – Being a player and a coach at the same time: How Darcie handles her dual role as an Executive Director and Market Leader. Plus, lessons she’s learned in leadership along the way.

06:07- How to create alignment when organizations have different priorities.

11:15 – Integrating the humanization element of the virtual-meeting atmosphere that COVID-19 has created into the in-person business world and addressing the issue of formality in meetings.

11:53 – Mentors and leaders: The timeless lesson that a major-gift donor taught Darcie and the impact it has had on her life.

16:23 – How to uncover your natural gift and turn it into a career that’s fulfilling and promising.

22:56 – Follow your passion: how to make sense of the job-hopping that happens in fundraising.

Darcie and I met while working together on the March of Dimes Campaign to End Premature Birth from 2015 to 2016. Shout out to Nicole Stratton who was my partner in this effort while under the expert management of Rick Happy at CCS. Also, a nod to my friend and former client, Sterin Bird who hired us for this project to launch a major gifts program via the campaign. Darcie also mentions her mentor and a partner in our efforts, Paula Ransom.