The past year demonstrated how rapidly funding conditions can shift. Many organizations began 2025 with stable plans and familiar revenue assumptions, but these changed midyear as federal funding adjustments occurred faster than anticipated, creating sudden gaps. Nonprofits, community colleges, economic development groups, and other philanthropic organizations faced immediate pressure, and traditional relief sources no longer met their needs. This new funding environment underscored the value of structured development planning, reliable guidance, and the need for a partner with the fundraising expertise to help organizations move from uncertainty to action.
At Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, we guided clients through these changes by providing clear information and practical solutions. Our team supported 59 clients in 22 states, completing 33 studies, 22 campaigns, and 12 consulting agreements.
These agreements included five development audits and five board or staff training sessions. Philanthropic clients represented 54% of our engagements, led by nine community college contracts that are increasing in both number and complexity. Their funding targets ranged from $1.5 million to $225 million, while our economic development clients pursued targets from $1.5 million to $20 million.
A Year of Expanding Demand for Focused Fundraising Support
Community colleges accounted for the largest share of our philanthropic work. Community college leaders are starting to address funding needs that extend beyond scholarships, including workforce development, capital upgrades, student support programs, and regional economic priorities. To support these efforts, we developed a whitepaper on emerging trends, specifically in the rural community college sector, providing a resource for institutions planning for long-term program stability.
Our December 2025 webinar on community college fundraising attracted one of our highest registration numbers, highlighting the urgency of these issues. Participants raised questions about capacity, long-term planning, and the effects of federal adjustments on budgets. Many institutions now seek fundraising partners to help organize operational needs, external support, and sustained donor engagement.
We also advanced our work in economic development, with the highest activity in North Carolina and Georgia, followed by Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and New York. Additionally, we supported clients in 11 other states. Our efforts ranged from major capital campaigns to targeted studies clarifying mission, scope, and revenue strategy.
Preparing Organizations for a Funding Environment That Demands Readiness
The funding shifts of 2025 are expected to continue into 2026. Federal adjustments disrupted long-standing assumptions for many organizations. Replacing these funds quickly is not feasible without a defined development plan and trained staff. Organizations that adopted disciplined strategies and supportive boards entered this year with greater confidence.
Other organizations found that previous approaches no longer align with current conditions. These leaders now require practical guidance to build capacity, redesign outreach, and develop a compelling case for investment. Convergent remains focused on these needs. Our goal in 2026 is to provide organizations with the structure needed to plan, communicate, and meet increasing financial obligations.
We are refining our messaging, evaluating recent engagement outcomes, and expanding our presence in the philanthropic market. We will also continue our work in economic development, where capital planning, workforce development, and mission clarity are essential. Our intent is clear: to support communities that require dependable revenue strategies during this period of significant change.
Throughout the coming year, we will share additional insights and resources to help leaders respond to these challenges with clarity. We look forward to working with organizations nationwide and contributing to the stability and progress of the communities they serve.
Contact Convergent for Support in 2026
If your organization needs a clear development plan or support in addressing current funding challenges, please contact our team. Convergent is ready to help you build capacity and achieve your goals with confidence.
