When communities need to make significant improvements in infrastructure, housing, or workforce development, public funding alone often falls short. That’s where public–private partnerships (PPPs) become essential. These collaborations align government resources with private sector expertise to deliver complex projects more efficiently, faster, and with a greater long-term impact.
Economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and municipalities across the country are using PPPs to close funding gaps, reduce risk, and ensure that critical projects don’t stall out in planning. The structure isn’t new, but its strategic application has become more urgent as communities face pressure to modernize infrastructure, expand services, and remain competitive for business investment.
Stronger Results Through Strategic Alignment
The best public–private partnerships don’t just split costs; they align around shared outcomes. When done right, these efforts allow communities to:
- Deliver large-scale capital projects with fewer delays
- Tap into private capital without overextending public debt
- Transfer risk on construction timelines, cost overruns, and operations
- Drive measurable community benefit through housing, workforce training, or broadband
But success doesn’t happen by accident. Partnerships of this scale require clear objectives, performance benchmarks, and experienced leadership on both sides of the table. That’s where many public agencies and EDOs bring in outside expertise to manage complexity and deliver results.
How Convergent Strengthens the Public-Private Model Through Comprehensive Campaigns
When it comes to comprehensive campaigns that involve both public and private stakeholders, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions collaborates directly with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce to help advance their investment goals. Our focus is on helping these organizations secure the investment they need and justify every dollar with data that speaks to both public stakeholders and private investors.
We begin with a revenue benchmark analysis to determine the fundraising potential. From there, our feasibility studies test investor interest and shape messaging around tangible outcomes, not just vision.
Through our Investment-Driven Model™, Convergent positions EDOs and chambers of commerce as investable vehicles for generating economic returns. That distinction is critical. Business leaders want to understand how their support leads to job growth, tax base expansion, or regional competitiveness.
Convergent’s approach equips clients with:
- A clear funding roadmap aligned with organizational capacity
- Messaging tailored to business investors and civic partners
- Metrics that connect capital raised to outcomes delivered
We’ve led successful campaigns that have helped communities revitalize downtown areas, meet workforce goals, develop innovative districts, and more — always with a focus on connecting strategy to measurable value.
Convergent Strengthens Public-Private Partnerships Through Campaign Strategy
Convergent’s expertise in capital campaign management has helped local economic development organizations build lasting public-private partnerships that move communities forward.
Phelps County Development Corporation (NE)
In a first-ever capital campaign, Convergent guided PCDC — serving a rural Nebraska community — through challenges of limited fundraising experience and skepticism around private-sector investment. With a clear strategy and strong community engagement, the campaign raised $1.35 million (135% of goal), enabling land acquisition for future business growth and launching a scholarship program to retain local talent.
The Chamber of Lawrence and Douglas County (KS)
In response to pandemic setbacks, Convergent supported the Rising Together campaign, starting with a feasibility study that helped build stakeholder confidence. The campaign raised $2.8 million (110% of goal), attracted 33 new investors, and fully funded workforce and housing development programs with targeted support for BIPOC and low-income residents.
Impact
These campaigns showcase how Convergent promotes cross-sector collaboration and enables economic development organizations — regardless of size or experience — to establish sustainable public-private partnerships with measurable outcomes.
Turning Vision Into Investment
Economic development leaders who understand the mechanics of PPPs know they aren’t just about securing funding — they’re about building confidence. That requires a campaign strategy rooted in data, backed by disciplined execution, and guided by partners who understand how to navigate both public and private environments.
Convergent brings the structure and experience to help you move from concept to capital. We work with your team to engage investors, align messaging, and track performance — so your organization becomes a trusted steward of high-impact public–private projects.
Ready to Strengthen Your Funding Strategy?
If your organization is preparing to lead or participate in a public–private partnership, we can help you define the funding path, align stakeholders, and deliver on your goals. Start with a revenue benchmark analysis to understand your true fundraising potential and build from there.
Let’s talk about how to turn your next public–private initiative into a fully funded success story.
