Hope & Action Consulting
Our Journey to Impact
Hope & Action Consulting builds the capacity of organizations by providing: strategic planning, executive coaching, resource development, governance, and other capacity building services. ​​
Joanna “Jo” Deming, MSW is the founder and principal consultant at Hope & Action Consulting, where she partners with nonprofit leaders, changemakers, and organizations to turn vision into reality. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector—including eight years as an Executive Director. Her work is rooted in empathy, intuition, and a talent for uniting diverse stakeholders to advance shared goals and create lasting community impact.
Jo has played a pivotal role in community-driven planning, strategic planning, securing major funding, and shaping policy—from helping grow annual budgets from $100K to $800K+ to collaborating on initiatives that attract $4M+ in public investments for affordable housing, food access, and neighborhood revitalization. Her leadership extends to designing strategic plans, DEIB frameworks, and governance policies that strengthen organizations and empower boards.
A certified nonprofit consultant (BoardSource) and trained facilitator (PANO Standards of Excellence), Jo holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Hope College. She is deeply committed to fostering thriving communities through coalition-building, advocacy, and innovative problem-solving. Jo brings a blend of passion, expertise, and hands-on experience to every project.
Our Services
1
Strategic
Planning
Want to pull your team together around a shared vision for the future? We facilitate Strategic Planning, Scenario Planning, and other planning services that engage stakeholders and to create impactful plans for the future.
2
Executive
Coaching
Looking to invest in yourself and your leadership? We will walk alongside you and support you as you work to become the leader you desire to be.
3
Resource
Development
Need to bring your fundraising to the next level? We will help you access untapped resources through coaching, planning, and grant writing services.
4
Board
Governance
Looking to strengthen your board of directors? We provide board orientation, training, and evaluation to help your board run smoothly and effectively so you can achieve your mission.
5
Capacity
Building
Looking for something else? We provide other services available upon request.
Our Values
Authentic Partnership
We build trust through openness, active listening, and mutual accountability. Our relationships are grounded in respect, shared goals, and the vulnerability to say, “We need each other to succeed.” We celebrate wins together and navigate setbacks with honesty and compassion.
Equity & Justice
We know that lasting change must be co-created with those most impacted. We recognize that systemic change requires intentional focus on dismantling barriers and amplifying marginalized voices. We listen deeply, show up, and amplify voices that are too often unheard.
Courageous Leadership
We lead with boldness, integrity, and vulnerability. We encourage leaders to take calculated risks, name challenges, and embrace the discomfort of growth—because transformation requires both vision and the courage to admit what we don’t know. We model this by being transparent about our own journey, mistakes, and learnings.
Joy & Resilience
We believe sustainability in this work requires both resilience and joy. We honor the emotional labor of changemaking by celebrating small wins, fostering connection, and creating space for lightness—because the journey matters as much as the destination. We model this by bringing energy, humor, and humanity to our partnerships.
Mindy Schnitgen,
Inspired Hearts & Hands
“Jo’s guidance through our three-year strategic plan, fundraising, and one-on-one coaching has strengthened me as a leader and positioned our organization for sustainable growth. Beyond her expertise, she has been a trusted mentor and genuine friend whose support has meant more than she knows."
Dwayne Barker,
Perry Hilltop Citizens Council
"Joanna's tenure as the first Executive Director was transformative. As the primary architect of our Comprehensive Community Plan, she spearheaded vital advancements in public safety, affordable housing, and transportation. Her leadership left an indelible mark on the Perry Hilltop and Fineview communities."
Jamie Simmons,
Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management
Jo brings exceptional knowledge to every training session that directly addresses the real-world challenges we face. Her facilitation style creates learning experiences that are both immediately practical and deeply transformative for emerging and established nonprofit leaders alike.”
Rev. Brenda J. Gregg, Project Destiny, Inc.
“Jo led Project Destiny Inc. in our search to locate and evaluate our current array of different data systems to meet complex needs of our diverse community partners and leaders. Her unique style of communication along with her keen ability to listen to others was a well-needed strength.”
Andrew McElwaine,
The Heinz Endowments
"Jo’s leadership as the Food As Health Care Coalition facilitator has been great. Through her guidance, we’ve recruited and aligned stakeholders, developed actionable strategies, and made meaningful strides toward advancing our agenda."
Christine Crytzer,
Crytzer Communications
“Consultants for Change has been a valuable and supportive community for consultants. Thanks to Jo's leadership, the monthly gatherings foster meaningful connection, shared learning and encouragement.”