By: Clint Nessmith
I’m writing this from the Centurion Lounge in Concourse D at DFW, en route to Sacramento for Invest EDO’s annual summit, where I will be sharing industry trends and best practices and the outlook for 2026 with some amazing economic development professionals.
Back in December, I predicted that 2026 would be a busy year for fundraising across the nonprofit sector—not just for economic development organizations and chambers, but for nearly every mission-driven entity. After a turbulent 2025 marked by grant disruptions and market uncertainty driven by shifting tariff policy, many organizations faced real revenue pressure.
Periods of uncertainty take time to work through, but they also force clarity. Over the past year, organizations have reassessed their models, explored new revenue strategies, and begun laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. Increasingly, they’re turning to partners like RDG, a Convergent Company to help shape those strategies—or, in many cases, to lead the revenue effort directly.
Across RDG’s portfolio, a clear pattern has emerged. Some organizations are modernizing investment tiers and engagement opportunities within established public–private partnerships, as we’re doing with the Tampa Bay EDC (FL) and Lehigh Valley EDC (PA). Others are building entirely new private-sector revenue strategies for entities historically funded through public dollars or grants, such as the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority (MI), The Biz Foundry (TN), and COLAB (LA).
The common thread: organizations are proactively strengthening their internal models to ensure they can operate—and compete—well into the future. They’re refining their value propositions, diversifying revenue, and positioning themselves to stand out in an increasingly noisy fundraising environment.
A recent Peer Chamber Survey RDG conducted for the Detroit Regional Chamber underscores this trend. Of the 15 majormarket chambers that participated, half anticipate updating their membership tiers in 2026. That level of alignment across markets is telling.
Taken together, these signals point to a simple truth: organizations aren’t waiting for stability to return. They’re creating it. Whether through updated investment tiers, new privatesector strategies, or full-scale revenue model redesigns, leaders are taking bold steps to futureproof their missions.
That’s why 2026 already feels different. The appetite for action is real, and the willingness to invest in long-term sustainability and measurable impact is strong. As RDG continues its work nationwide—now with the expanded capabilities of Convergent—we’re honored to help communities chart their next chapter. If the first quarter is any indication, this will be a year defined not by uncertainty, but by organizations choosing to adapt, innovate, and grow.
Clint Nessmith is Principal of RDG, A Convergent Company, which focuses exclusively on supporting economic development organizations and chambers of commerce. Schedule a conversation over Zoom with Clint by utilizing this scheduling link.
FROM THE RDG, A CONVERGENT COMPANY TOOLBOX
Did you know, RDG can conduct a mid-funding cycle Campaign Investor Satisfaction Survey. This will provide you with key insights regarding how your investors perceive your organization’s performance to date on the strategic initiatives tied to your last funding campaign and provide context for your future fundraising efforts.
This service is complimentary for current clients, and only $3,500 for all others. Surveys are online and confidential. A report on survey findings will be developed and delivered to your staff and board. Contact us for more information.
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