Nonprofits Turn Focus to Housing Crisis
Nonprofit organizations exist to provide a benefit to local communities and the public, often associated with charitable, educational, religious or scientific intentions. As stakeholders and significant drivers of community development in their areas, nonprofit organizations have begun to hone in on housing shortages. Individuals and families are finding the ability to afford suitable housing more […]
Address Housing Shortage through Economic Development Strategies
Putting plans in place requires the actual fundraising itself. Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations (EDO) can pursue numerous avenues to meet fundraising goals. Most economic developers can utilize the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to access grants to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding […]
Convergent’s Proven Strategy for YMCA Growth
The North American YMCA Development Organization’s (NAYDO) annual conference is one of our favorite events of the year. This year’s conference was held at the Gaylord Rockies outside of Denver and was one of their largest. And from Convergent Principal Rick Kiernan’s perspective, the sessions were some of the best he’s attended. “YMCAs make an […]
Ways to Increase Community College Enrollment and Fund Program Expansion
Finding quality employees is plaguing employers nationwide. One aspect of that struggle is procuring the necessary educational programming for individuals to receive training to match employer requirements. Community colleges are a natural resource to offer those services to support employers with customized programs at affordable costs for individuals. After a decade of declining enrollment at […]
The Concerns Keeping Community College Leaders Up At Night
Declining enrollment, high dropout rates, and decreased state funding are creating a perfect storm of economic challenges that are alarming to community college leaders across the country. Since 2021 community college enrollment has fallen by more than 1 million students and 40% of all community college students drop out after their first year. Many community […]
Is Your School Ready for a Capital Campaign?
Walking before you run, reading over your notes before the big exam, pouring the foundation before the main structure–these all seem like obvious steps in achieving a goal. Yet, in my career as Head of School at several institutions over the past 30 years, I have seen numerous schools fall short of their capital campaign […]