FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2026
For more information, contact:
Brian Abernathy, General Manager
Email: babernathy@convergentnonprofit.com
Phone: 678.835.8735
ATLANTA, GA — At the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit, March 1–3, Convergent announced its merger with Resource Development Group. Effective immediately, RDG will operate as RDG, a Convergent Company.
This partnership unites two respected fundraising firms under a shared strategy, preserving the strength and reputation of both firms.
With the new structure, the company fully aligns expertise and resources to meet specific market needs. RDG will spearhead the economic development and chamber of commerce markets, executing capital campaigns for multi-year public-private partnerships and workforce development efforts.
“Economic development fundraising is more critical than ever. Our clients will benefit from the unique expertise of each of us,” said Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent. “RDG will operate as before, now as part of a larger, integrated team supporting economic development fundraising nationwide.”
Clients continue working with their trusted RDG and Convergent professionals, who offer extended capacity, enhanced infrastructure, and greater specialization, ensuring smooth transitions and sustained, personalized support.
Resource Development Group has a proven record of board-led, high-value capital campaigns for economic development entities in large and mid-sized markets. Convergent brings nationwide reach in a variety of market sizes and a platform emphasizing research, data management, and disciplined execution.
The merged organization now commands the largest dataset on economic development fundraising campaigns and donor/investors in the United States. This trove reflects decades of campaign data, donor engagement, and investor relations best practices, enabling informed strategies and real-time campaign execution adjustments.
"For economic development fundraising, we operate as RDG, a Convergent Company," said Clint Nessmith, CEO of RDG. "Clients will continue working with the trusted team, now backed by broader capacity that complements our expertise.”
Convergent plans to expand its philanthropic-focused consulting, supporting education and nonprofit sectors, including community colleges, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and arts organizations, while maintaining its economic development engagement in current markets. Both the Convergent and RDG brands will stay visible, underscoring trust and continuity in the field.
Client Benefits include:
- A single integrated team with fundraising know-how and proven success.
- Continued RDG and Convergent relationships, plus increased capacity and expertise.
- Support for larger, multi-year, board-led capital campaigns
- Flexible proposals from either RDG or Convergent, tailored to client needs
Contact us today at info@convergentnonprofit.com, call (800) 886-0280, or visit https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/ to schedule your free strategy consultation.
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