SCHENECTADY, NY — SUNY Schenectady County Community College marked the close of its most successful capital campaign during a celebration held on campus on June 20. With the support of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, the college raised $8.5 million.
Launched in May 2023, the campaign focused on expanding student support, investing in workforce development, and increasing the college’s capacity through unrestricted funding. The results speak for themselves: $7 million will directly support students, $897,668 has been secured in flexible, unrestricted funds, and $605,045 will bolster workforce development initiatives.
With annual foundation goals typically around $600,000, a $6 million fundraising target seemed ambitious. But the college pressed forward with Convergent's help in building a strong prospect list, collaborating closely with Dr. Moono, President of SUNY Schenectady, to define clear roles and steadily advance the campaign. In the early stages, the path to success was still taking shape, but with Convergent providing the structure, clarity, and leadership, the campaign gained momentum and stayed on course.
SUNY Schenectady’s leadership engaged Convergent following an initial uncertainty around campaign priorities. Convergent’s senior partner, Joe April, conducted an in-depth feasibility study by interviewing 60 people. After, a stakeholder forum that gathered input from more than 50 regional business leaders was held. That event, featuring noted economist Hugh Johnson, helped sharpen the college’s focus on workforce readiness and community alignment.
Convergent’s team helped refine the campaign’s case for support, re-engaged campus and community stakeholders, and ensured fundraising strategies focused on delivering investable outcomes.
“This campaign required vision, agility, and flexibility,” said Joe April, Senior Partner at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. “SUNY Schenectady had strong community ties and a clear sense of purpose. Our role was to help harness that energy and translate it into sustained support.”
Unlike previous campaigns, this effort offered broad flexibility. Unrestricted funds allow the community college to respond to student needs as they emerge. Workforce development investments will strengthen training programs that align with regional labor demands, while student support dollars are already opening new opportunities, from scholarships to experiential learning.
For SUNY Schenectady, the campaign's true significance lies in what the funding will enable. The impact on students through expanded scholarships, hands-on learning, and increased access will be felt for years to come.
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Media Contact:
Brian Abernathy
General Manager
Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
info@convergentnonprofit.com
800-866-0280
https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/
