At Convergent, we do things differently than most fundraisers, and our hundreds of successful campaigns have proven that our process of raising money results in shorter campaign lengths, less burden on your board and staff, and most importantly, more money raised. These are some of the tools in our toolbox that allow us to raise more money than you may have thought possible.
A Focus on Outcomes
Not only do we work with your organization to translate your good work into language that is easily understood and relatable, we work with you to highlight your outcomes. Nonprofit investors (we prefer this term to “donors”) want to know what impact you will have on the lives of those you serve, so we work to turn your efforts into what we call Investable Outcomes™. Every campaign employs an Organizational Value Proposition®, or OVP, that takes outcomes to the next level…their value! Demonstrating the value of your outcomes speaks the language that investors in nonprofits prefer, and they respond with larger and more sustainable dollars.
Positioning As a Community Asset
Because we position your organization as worthy of funding because of the good work you do, we can therefore position your nonprofit as a community asset, which can be a game changer for many organizations. This is the foundation of our Investment-Driven Model™, which clearly connects your outcomes with the money we are raising, allowing us to monetize your good work. The best part… when you deliver you have the right in the future for even more investment, providing a sustainable funding conduit.
Asking for Big Dollars
Since we focus on Investable Outcomes™ and transform them into dollars through our Investment-Driven Model™, you will have earned Asking Rights™, which is the ability to deliver outcomes that are valuable to investors. We discover what is valuable to them in the Feasibility process, and when you deliver what they value, you earn the right to ask for larger dollar amounts.
More Than Emotional Appeals
While many fundraisers labor with emotional appeals that will hopefully resonate with donors, we employ the often-overlooked rational component of decision-making. Our experience has shown that when both sides of the brain are engaged, larger dollars follow. Since you are hiring fundraisers, not marketers, we deliver a Case for Investment that often contains return on investment and an Organizational Value Proposition®. Our Directors are trained to use whatever path is most productive, and we have found a rational appeal often results in more money raised.
The Convergent Difference
Our success in raising money is what sets Convergent apart, but how do we achieve such positive results?
Our Process
We lead the solicitation process with professional asks. This is totally different than almost all of the other fundraising firms out there, and it has even been said by competitors that this does not work. Our results, though, speak for themselves. Link to list of successes, maps, etc.
We minimize the burden on staff, board, and volunteers. Because we are active on a daily basis in making the asks, you can get back to your mission and delivering outcomes.
We don’t ask you to do our job. We are not just coaching you, we are in the trenches raising money. While most firms explain and choreograph what you are supposed to do, we do it.
We work with ANY type of nonprofit, whether large or small, rural or urban, just starting out or been around for years.
Our ROI
Not only do we use ROI in our campaigns, we provide your organization with a great ROI on our services. We subscribe to the Association of Fundraising Professionals benchmark stating the cost of raising funds should never be more than ten percent of the amount we raise. We not only talk the talk, we walk the walk.
Our Timeframe
Our campaigns are measured in months, not years. A majority of our engagements are completed in less than a year, which is measurably shorter than our competitors.
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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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