After facing setbacks from the pandemic, economic development leaders launched a fundraising campaign, Rising Together, to build a better future for Lawrence, Kansas, and the greater Douglas County community.
A comprehensive feasibility study provided a roadmap to success leading up to the Rising Together campaign. Campaign support during the early stages helped secure more than 86 percent of their fundraising goal before the campaign went public.
Funding Goals:
Raise $2.5 million over five years
Develop a community-backed plan for growth
The Challenges:
This campaign was introduced just as the community was beginning to lift COVID-19 restrictions. While stakeholders were eager to invest, they needed a rock-solid strategic plan to confidently move forward.
The feasibility study revealed gaps in the strategic plan that failed to address concerns for the community’s housing and land development.
The Convergent Approach:
Convergent began with a feasibility study. We evaluated the Rising Together campaign’s goals, which included talent attraction, diversity in workforce, and inclusive economic development initiatives.
We found that the economic development team had earned Asking Rights™—having the credibility, fundraising skills, and outcomes to support a successful capital campaign. However, our feasibility study also revealed gaps in the strategic plan that could hinder the campaign’s success. Being that the community was only just beginning to loosen its COVID-19 restrictions, stakeholders were eager to invest in bold growth and recovery opportunities—though they were hesitant to move forward without clear investable outcomes.
While Rising Together supported growth for local businesses and the economy, it did not address the community housing challenges. Without the capacity to grow the community, there would not be sustainable support for local businesses.
Convergent helped Rising Together broaden its focus to include efforts for new housing land, housing units, and single-family home permits. By listening to the community and addressing their concerns, we bolstered support for Rising Together and instilled confidence in investors.
The Results:
Total campaign commitments of $2.8 million, exceeding the campaign goal by 10 percent.
Thirty-three new investors resulting in $521,000 in new investments.
Fully funded Talent Attraction and Workforce Development initiatives with a focus on BIPOC and the low-income community, along with a specific initiative addressing Douglas County’s Housing and Land Development shortage.
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Total Campaign Commitments
2.8
more than 10% above goal
“I would recommend Convergent for a few reasons. First of all, they listened. They listen to the leadership. They listened to our potential investors for economic development, and they came forward with a plan. The conversations were very productive, which was refreshing.”
Bonnie Lowe, CEO, The Chamber
Testimonials
Andrew Keenan
“The fact that Convergent could make the ask was huge. Working with our director and joining solicitations made me a better fundraiser – that was the right formula for us. Moving forward I feel much more confident in making asks and telling our story, and that is going to make us more sustainable in the long run.”
Andrew Keenan, Executive Director Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Atlanta, GA
Lisa Zaken
“In the span of six short months, our Board went from being nervous about the initial campaign investment to being ecstatic with the attainment of our goal, and our subsequent stretch goal! Convergent can do it like no other. Their system is rigorous and extremely effective. We have nothing but great things to say about this organization!”
Lisa Zaken, President & CEO Leadership Gwinnett | Duluth, GA
Dion Davis
“The strategy and support offered by Convergent helped our Board expand its vision for the Foundation, which in turn helped to refocus and redefine our organization's impact in our community. The methodology behind their capital campaign process not only helps to raise more money in the immediate, but it also builds best practices for long-term investor relations and lays groundwork for the success of future funding initiatives.”
Dion Davis, Former Executive Director Jekyll Island Foundation | Jekyll Island, GA
Robin Mauck
“Working with Convergent has been a pleasure all the way around. Their approach is customized to your organization and their expertise is unmatched in the field. The Convergent team immersed themselves in our process, culture, and goals to provide exceptional value during our campaign. They truly walk alongside you every step of the way!”
Robin Mauck, Executive Director Obria Medical Clinics Gwinnett | Lawrenceville, GA
Aimee Hall
“I loved working with Convergent. I never could have done what Convergent did. If you want to run a successful campaign, you need to bring in that expertise. Thanks to their help, our capital campaign really took us to the next level within our community.”
Aimee Hall, Executive Director Safe Homes Domestic Violence Center | Augusta, GA
Phillip Aldridge
“I wanted to thank everyone from the Convergent team who assisted in our campaign. Of the varying ways the campaign’s success may be measured, I count it a blessing that we achieved what we did. Not just the funds committed but the contacts made, the level of exposure reached, and ultimately, what the funds and exposure mean in terms of how many more we now serve as a result. My thanks is in recognition and appreciation for Convergent serving as our fundraising counsel and for the patience and professionalism demonstrated throughout the campaign. You were a godsend for Valley Healthcare!”
Phillip Aldridge, Board Chair Valley Healthcare System | Colombus, GA
Jeff Taylor
“Early in our campaign feasibility study it became apparent that we lacked the Asking Rights necessary to conduct a capital campaign. As a result, Convergent’s knowledgeable consultants prepared an extensive plan of action that is a road map for growing our awareness and philanthropy. A successful capital campaign will be possible in the near future. Their entrepreneurial approach will definitely get you where you want to go.”
Jeff Taylor, CEO MedCura Health, formerly Oakhurst Medical Center | Stone Mountain, GA
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