Services

Over the course of my career, I have collaborated with leaders on complex projects that have transformed local communities and shaped national movements. I have worked across fields but have particular depth of experience in the arts and creative placemaking, public media, community development, libraries, and parks. 

While there are many excellent development consultants, I differ from most in two ways.  

First, I’ve primarily worked with organizations that don’t fit traditional categories, or which are trying to create something new. As a result, they are rarely fully served by past approaches.  

Second, although I’ve learned a lot, I don’t approach the work as an expert who comes with solutions but as a problem-solver who can help leaders identify opportunity, navigate change, and unlock potential.

The primary services I* provide include:

OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENTS

Many nonprofits hit a development wall or struggle to make the leap from incremental to transformational growth. At those moments, my Opportunity Assessment model helps leaders think strategically about how they can make their organization more valuable to philanthropic partners and elevate their position within a competitive field. The core belief is that raising more money generally requires deeper work than tweaking development systems. The intent is to help an organization to find a path that suits their culture and moment while opening up previously inaccessible levels of support. 

CAMPAIGN PLANNING, STRATEGY AND EXECUTION

Capital campaigns are a special opportunity to raise unprecedented funding and to propel change by attracting new leadership, expanding a base of support, and repositioning an organization. Campaign work is a staple of my practice, with efforts ranging from $1 million to $200 million. I help organizations at every step of the process – modeling campaigns, testing feasibility, setting strategy, implementation, and celebrating success.

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS

All development programs are rooted in helping to translate the complex work of an organization into a storyline that engages and excites potential supporters. This work also requires close listening and a capacity to bring external feedback into an organization so it can learn and adapt. My very first nonprofit job was as a communications director, and I continue to think of two-way communications as my primary skill. I help many organizations refresh, tighten, and amplify their case for support, while also providing an additional channel for input from key stakeholders.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

Many engagements begin with a specific scope of work but evolve to a more fluid, responsive partnership with a CEO or CDO. A sounding board, a strategic partner, a trusted external perspective, occasionally a something like a coach – in a rigorous but less structured form, I support executives as they guide organizations through periods of transition and create enduring legacies. I also work directly with CEOs who are growing into a role as lead organizational fundraiser.

TRANSITIONAL CAPACITY

Hiring for senior positions is a complex process and often slower than hoped for. In addition, there are moments when an organization needs extra capacity but isn’t ready to make a permanent hire. In these cases, I can step in quickly and help ensure that development programs and teams operate at a high level.

WHATEVER IT TAKES

*Although I have kept Hamilton & Associates a one-person shop for light overhead and maximum flexibility, some clients need more than I can individually offer. Accordingly, I have an excellent network of partners who frequently collaborate on projects and bring special expertise in program and development assessments, strategic planning, prospect research, campaign management, event planning and coordination, and grant writing.

When a team is required, I can put a special one together quickly.