Generating Nonprofit Fundraising Support in Your Community
Success Story: The Humane Society of Greenwood
Fundraising is a skill and a full-time job. When your community has been approached numerous times for donations and volunteering over the years, how do you get investors excited about supporting your project?
The Situation:
The Humane Society of Greenwood (HSOG) desperately needed more space and a more modern facility to reduce turnaround times and save more animals. The HSOG was contracted by Greenwood County, which had pledged $2 million toward a new facility. The HSOG Board knew more funding would be necessary to accommodate the needs of their community. They decided to raise the funds to build and operate the spay/neuter clinic, education room, and adoption center, while Greenwood County funded and operated the impound center of the facility. With a goal of raising $1.2 million, the HSOG was ready to begin a capital campaign.
Funding Goals:
Help fund the construction of a modern $3.3 million, 15,000-square-foot complex.
The Challenges:
Challenges include ongoing efforts for donations of food, supplies, and operational funds led to donor and volunteer fatigue as well as low board participation.
The Convergent Approach:
Not everyone has the passion and the skillset for fundraising and full-time solicitations. Many organizations find that their board and staff are not comfortable asking for large dollar amounts as is needed in a capital campaign. At HSOG, there were business leaders helping drive fundraising who felt that outside counsel was not necessary but were not moving the needle on solicitations themselves. After a thorough feasibility study, however, one of these leaders ended up being Convergent’s biggest champion. He truly walked the organization’s board of directors down the road to a successful campaign with us.
With the promotion of a new branding effort (Unleash the Possibilities) and events to gain exposure and support, as recommended in our feasibility study, HSOG was able to lay the groundwork they needed in their community and with volunteers for a solid fundraising campaign.
The Results:
Feasibility study conducted by Convergent with 90+ interviews gauged support but also educated interviewees and generated awareness of the mission and goals
More than $1.23 million was raised on a goal of $1.2 million
Not only did Convergent’s team help the Humane Society of Greenwood raise 103 percent of their goal, but we came in at 77% of budgeted expenses
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Raised
$1,230,000
“I can’t express enough how grateful I am to Convergent. This is the second campaign planning study I’ve been through, and it was SUCH a positive experience.”
Karen Pettay, Former Executive D
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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The Situation: 
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The Convergent Approach: 
The Results: 