2nd Cup
Capacity Building
The boost you need to achieve your goals.
About Us
Nicole S. Hutton Shannon, Ph.D.
Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Geography, Environmental Science and Policy. She was tenured faculty, Program Director of Geography, and Assistant Director of Engagement for the Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience at Old Dominion University before returning to the non-profit sector. Now she is outsourcing her academic and fundraising expertise to you.
2016 Gilbert F. White Dissertation Award
Hazards, Risks, and Disasters Specialty Group, American Association of Geographers
2023 Woman of the Year Award
University Women’s Caucus, Old Dominion University
Our Services
Specializing in resilience building for students, faculty, disaster impacted communities, nonprofits, and governments, our services will help you launch into higher-education, tailor academic programs, engage communities, and meet your funding needs.
Student Advising
5 hours per term including program review, resume review, course review, and academic plan.
Course Support
10 hours per course including syllabus / program / resume review, and weekly communication.
Research & Teaching Alignment
10 hours including document review, program analysis, and networking opportunities search.
Funding Alignment
15 hours per month including funding opportunities search, priority setting, application strategizing, and donor / community alignment check.
Grant Writing
Foundation Grant- 20*/40 hours
State Grant- 30*/60 hours
Federal Grant- 60*/120 hours
*Dependent upon requestor’s internal staff availability.
Grant Implementation
Foundation Grant – 80 hours
State Grant – 160 hours
Federal Grant – 240 hours
Program Development
8 hours per concentration including program and enrollment review, accreditation and change process familiarization, reporting recommendations, and academic / industry comps.
Writing Retreat
All services come with a complementary one hour per week drop-in writing retreat for the duration of the contract.
Longer retreats available upon request.
How It Works
All services require a completed Consulting Agreement and a complementary Scope of Work. The Scope of Work is tailored to your needs based on the information shared during the free consult.
Rates
Consult (30 minutes) – Free
Services – $35 per hour + taxes and processing fees
Booking Policies
50% non-refundable deposit required with signed agreement.
By appointment only.
Reviews
“Nicole brings thoughtful insight, clarity, and genuine care to every conversation, offering guidance that is both practical and empowering. Her support during my decision-making process for a tenure-track Assistant Professor offer at Old Dominion University was invaluable, and I do not doubt that 2nd Cup Capacity Building will be an essential resource for others navigating academic and professional transitions.” – Sina Razzaghi Asl