Greater Springfield Partnership’s EXPAND 2029 Campaign Surpasses $6.5 Million Target With Strategic Support From Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

SPRINGFIELD, OH (May 2025) — The Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) has concluded its EXPAND 2029 capital campaign with more than $6.5 million raised—an achievement that marks a 60% increase over its previous campaign and sets a new benchmark for regional economic development fundraising. At the heart of this success was the strategic leadership and campaign management provided by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, a national expert in capital campaign fundraising.

EXPAND 2029 was a unified call to action for Springfield, Ohio’s future. With guidance from Convergent, the Greater Springfield Partnership secured significant financial commitments from corporations, local governments, foundations, and individual donors. These groups were willing to invest because the GSP achieved its vision and goals from the previous campaign five years ago.

“This campaign was a powerful demonstration of what can happen when strategy, trust, and execution align,” said Steve Stevens, Senior Project Director at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. “The Greater Springfield Partnership came to the table with credibility, a clear vision, and a team ready to lead. Our job was to bring the proven structure, tools, and investor-focused messaging to help them realize their potential and exceed it.”

The campaign launched following a feasibility study conducted by Convergent that engaged more than 60 community leaders and stakeholders. The findings were clear. Springfield believed in the momentum GSP had created over the past five years, and the community was ready to invest in a bold next chapter.

Working closely with GSP leaders, including Mike McDorman, Horton Hobbs, and Amy Donohoe, Convergent implemented a multi-phase campaign strategy. Beginning with a quiet phase, which had already secured 85% of the campaign goal before its public launch in October 2024, Convergent implemented a multi-phase campaign strategy.

“The level of preparation and collaboration in this campaign was exceptional,” said Horton Hobbs IV, Vice President of Economic Development. “Convergent helped bring structure and experience, as well as a deep understanding of how to build investor confidence and momentum.”

This capital infusion will support four key initiatives focused on cultivating local talent, building the economic engine, building a vibrant community, and attracting talent, ensuring Springfield remains a thriving, competitive community for years.

EXPAND 2029 is the latest in a long line of successful campaigns led by Convergent. Their clients consistently achieve and can exceed their fundraising goals. Their focus on outcomes-based messaging, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven strategy continues to position them as a national thought leader in nonprofit fundraising.

“Convergent understands that fundraising is about delivering measurable return on investment to stakeholders,” said Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development at GSP. “They helped us translate our vision into a compelling case for support, and the results speak for themselves.”

As Convergent continues to partner with organizations nationwide, the EXPAND 2029 campaign is a powerful example of what’s possible when community leadership and fundraising expertise come together to support a shared goal.

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