Hillside

Fractional Leadership

The Client

Hillside is one of the oldest family and youth non-profit human services organizations in the United States. Founded in 1837, it has served hundreds of thousands of individuals across central and western New York. Hillside provides community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Hillside’s culturally competent approach emphasizes achieving the best outcomes for the communities it serves.

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Strengthening Advancement Through Fractional Leadership

The Challenge

Hillside needed experienced advancement leadership to strengthen fundraising operations, improve internal processes, and identify opportunities for growth. The organization required both strategic direction and hands-on support to assess its development practices, engage stakeholders, and build the organizational capacity needed to increase philanthropic support and advance its mission.

Our Approach

Empreinte Consulting served as Hillside’s fractional Chief Advancement Officer for more than a year and a half, partnering closely with the organization on business development, strategic planning, and process improvement. We oversaw advancement operations and conducted a comprehensive assessment of development practices, fundraising systems, stakeholder engagement, and organizational capacity. Through this work, we identified opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen fundraising infrastructure, and increase philanthropic support. Our recommendations paired strategic guidance with practical solutions Hillside could implement and sustain over time.

The Result

Empreinte provided Hillside with stronger advancement infrastructure, practical strategies for growth, and a clear roadmap for the future. By strengthening systems and processes while identifying new opportunities for philanthropic support, we helped position the organization for long-term fundraising success and greater capacity to sustain and advance its mission for years to come.

“I can’t remember a seemingly more complete analysis with well-constructed, clear and concise recommendations to address the findings. Kudos to you and your team on such complete work over a short period of time.”

Robert LinnFormer Board Chair–Hillside Children’s Foundation

Building Stronger Communities Together

At Empreinte Consulting, we are honored to have partnered with Hillside in their mission to support and uplift families and youth in need. We remain committed to empowering organizations like Hillside, helping them navigate challenges and achieve sustainable, positive outcomes.

Together, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

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Let’s Strengthen Your Advancement Strategy

Schedule a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your goals, challenges, and opportunities – and explore how fractional leadership, strategic planning, and stronger advancement systems can help position your organization for sustainable fundraising growth and long-term success.

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