Maximizing Fundraising in a Difficult Economy

image of hand touching a piggy bank

While U.S. economic growth proved to be higher than most expectations in 2023, fears of a recession persist in 2024. Nonprofit organizations are understandably concerned with their ability to raise money in potentially turbulent times. Fortunately, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions knows how to raise money amidst economic uncertainty, proving it during the Great Recession and the […]

Address Housing Shortage through Economic Development Strategies

Image of small model of a home on top of blueprints

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 […]

Is Your School Ready for a Capital Campaign?

School Capital Campaign Cheer

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 […]

Recession Fears Shouldn’t Stop Fundraising

Recession Fears

It’s hard not to let concerns of an impending recession creep into one’s thoughts. You avoid looking at your 401 (k) because it’s depressing. You consider taking out a loan just to fill up your SUV’s gas tank. You find yourself talking about the good old days when mortgage rates were 3 percent. More times […]

Turning Data into Dollars

Woman smiling with a projected data overlay

A data-driven approach to major gift fundraising and capital campaigns can help you set the bar high, but at an appropriate level, and assure that your funding effort will have the best possible chance for success. I’ll share two examples I’ve recently encountered: Organization A received an abnormally large investment from a first-time donor via […]

Moving Beyond Membership: Funding Your Chamber of Commerce’s Future

Close-up hand arranging wood block stacking up like a staircase

This article was originally published in the ACCE’s Chamber Executive magazine. One of the most pressing demands on chamber professionals is ensuring they have the funding needed to support their organization’s efforts and plan for the future. We recently welcomed Casey Steinbacher as a guest on our podcast. A former CEO of three chambers and an expert […]