https://www.convergentnonprofit.com Convergent News Feed Thu, 21 May 2026 08:59:35 +0000 en-US https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/67356/housing-supply-is-starting-to-shape-economic-development-outcomes https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/67356/housing-supply-is-starting-to-shape-economic-development-outcomes Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Housing availability and cost have gained greater influence on business decisions, alongside workforce availability and quality of life, as well as taxes and infrastructure. Employers and site selectors continually assess whether workers can find suitable housing within a reasonable commute, especially for large projects.When the housing supply is limited. And... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/67357/ai-is-changing-fundraising-and-how-you-use-it-determines-whether-it-delivers-results https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/67357/ai-is-changing-fundraising-and-how-you-use-it-determines-whether-it-delivers-results Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 AI is moving faster than most organizations can absorb. Nonprofit leaders are facing a familiar pattern. New tools arrive at a rapid pace. Expectations rise just as quickly. Staff and boards ask the same question in every planning session. What do we do with this?The pressure is real.Development teams are... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/56322/5-nonprofit-collaboration-examples-and-fundraising-results https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/56322/5-nonprofit-collaboration-examples-and-fundraising-results Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000  When your nonprofit works with community stakeholders and even other organizations, you can amplify your impact, reach new audiences, and achieve greater success in advancing your mission. Now more than ever, collaboration is a necessary tactic for successful nonprofits.Interested in nonprofit partnerships, but not sure where to start? The following... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66641/press-release-convergent-and-resource-development-group-merge https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66641/press-release-convergent-and-resource-development-group-merge Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 1, 2026For more information, contact:Brian Abernathy, General ManagerEmail: 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... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66606/practical-strategies-nonprofit-leaders-can-act-on-now https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66606/practical-strategies-nonprofit-leaders-can-act-on-now Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Recent funding disruptions at the federal level have revealed the vital importance of building durable nonprofit organizations. Last year tested many nonprofit leaders in ways few could have anticipated.​Funding cuts triggered layoffs across the various sectors and placed even more pressure on teams already operating at capacity. For many directors,... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66605/proactive-communication-for-data-center-projects-in-a-shifting-political-landscape https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66605/proactive-communication-for-data-center-projects-in-a-shifting-political-landscape Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The debate over data centers has shifted rapidly. Once seen as quiet infrastructure, they now prompt organized opposition, election impacts, and regulatory delays. AI, cloud computing, and data storage are now widely discussed. Communities now react to visible facilities tied to power, water, land use, and local decisions, rather than... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66535/midsized-communities-face-greater-business-attraction-challenges https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66535/midsized-communities-face-greater-business-attraction-challenges Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 By Andy Coe, Principal at Convergent Nonprofit SolutionsIn business attraction decisions, first impressions matter. For mid-sized metropolitan areas with populations between 100,000 and 300,000, early screening often determines if a community stays in contention. Site selectors prioritize verified data, site readiness, and execution capacity. Market size alone is no longer... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66308/how-to-recruit-the-right-board-members-to-advance-your-mission https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66308/how-to-recruit-the-right-board-members-to-advance-your-mission Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 A nonprofit’s board shapes future outcomes more than any policy or plan. Board members approve budgets, guide leadership, and create new opportunities. Unfocused recruitment undermines the mission, while disciplined recruitment builds clarity, trust, and momentum. Effective boards result from intentional choices based on organizational needs.Where to Begin? Start with Organizational... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66307/2026-economic-development-trends-point-to-funding-discipline-and-broader-collaboration https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/66307/2026-economic-development-trends-point-to-funding-discipline-and-broader-collaboration Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Economic development organizations (EDOs) face greater uncertainty and reduced margins for error in 2026. Federal funding remains unpredictable, and program priorities may shift mid-cycle. Public scrutiny of major projects is increasing, while expectations from employers, officials, and residents remain high.​This environment requires greater discipline, diversification, and focus on clear outcomes... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65940/convergent-reflects-on-a-productive-2025-and-prepares-for-a-shifting-funding-environment-in-2026 https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65940/convergent-reflects-on-a-productive-2025-and-prepares-for-a-shifting-funding-environment-in-2026 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000 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... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65537/identifying-concentrated-assets-builds-industry-clusters-to-increase-regional-competitiveness https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65537/identifying-concentrated-assets-builds-industry-clusters-to-increase-regional-competitiveness Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000 States, regions, counties, and cities that identify and organize their economic strengths through targeted industry clusters outperform those that spread investment too thin. By concentrating resources, workforce pipelines, and innovation networks around interconnected industries, communities achieve measurable competitiveness and resilience.An industry cluster is a geographic concentration of businesses, suppliers, and... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65538/the-power-of-how-proven-performance-improvements-for-nonprofits https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65538/the-power-of-how-proven-performance-improvements-for-nonprofits Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Nonprofit leaders face a growing challenge. Achieve measurable results in increasingly complex environments. Effective collaboration, clear performance standards, and data-driven evaluation are no longer optional; they are essential. The Institute for Performance Improvement (TIFPI), led by founder and President Deb Page, has demonstrated that mastering how people work together is... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65231/major-contributions-capture-headlines-but-campaigns-that-engage-more-small-businesses-lead-to-better-results https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65231/major-contributions-capture-headlines-but-campaigns-that-engage-more-small-businesses-lead-to-better-results Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Economic development campaigns often spotlight large employers and high-net-worth contributors. Their six or seven-figure pledges drive attention, but they represent only a fraction of the business landscape.Small businesses, which make up 99.9 percent of U.S. businesses and employ the majority of workers, are often overlooked in campaign planning. Ignoring them... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65232/feasibility-studies-are-essential-to-guide-campaign-strategy-with-precision https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65232/feasibility-studies-are-essential-to-guide-campaign-strategy-with-precision Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Feasibility studies provide the intelligence to make sound fundraising decisions. A feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis of the practicality and potential success of a proposed campaign, assessing costs, benefits, risks, and the likelihood of achieving fundraising targets.Nonprofits often start on a major campaign with energy and vision, but energy... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65233/rainbow-village-expands-its-mission-to-serve-more-families-in-crisis https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/65233/rainbow-village-expands-its-mission-to-serve-more-families-in-crisis Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Rainbow Village, a leading nonprofit in metro Atlanta providing transitional housing and family support services, has entered its next phase of growth. The “Building Homes, Building Hope” Capital Campaign, set initially at $15 million, has expanded to $20 million to meet rising community needs and fund two new apartment buildings... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64496/increased-funding-fuels-workforce-growth-at-rural-community-colleges https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64496/increased-funding-fuels-workforce-growth-at-rural-community-colleges Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 By Joe April — Exploring how funding helps rural community colleges strengthen the workforce, support students, and drive local growth.Without strategic investment, rural communities risk losing their most effective workforce pipeline.Workforce development doesn’t happen in theory. It occurs in rural welding labs, diesel tech bays, and allied health classrooms, as... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64495/funding-shortfalls-and-future-skills-gaps-are-colliding-at-rural-community-colleges https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64495/funding-shortfalls-and-future-skills-gaps-are-colliding-at-rural-community-colleges Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 By Joe April — Examining the tough challenges rural community colleges face with fewer resources and the need for smart investment to close the skills gap.Underfunded. Understaffed. Expected to do more.Rural community colleges are at the center of workforce development in their regions. Still, they're being asked to drive economic... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64493/rural-community-colleges-build-stronger-local-economies-through-workforce-development https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64493/rural-community-colleges-build-stronger-local-economies-through-workforce-development Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 By Dr. John Rainone — Exploring how rural community colleges fuel economic growth with job-focused training, quick-to-launch programs, and strong ties to local industries.Rural community colleges are not peripheral to workforce development; they are the infrastructure. These institutions sit at the center of local economies, providing direct training pipelines into... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64095/main-streets-create-economic-value-but-only-if-you-fund-them-right https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64095/main-streets-create-economic-value-but-only-if-you-fund-them-right Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Main Streets are a quintessential part of many communities across the U.S. and one of the most valuable economic drivers of success for a community if they are equipped to leverage the area strategically.The Funding Gap Is the Difference Between Plans and OutcomesFor most communities, the most significant constraint isn't... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64096/how-to-master-board-engagement-and-build-campaign-momentum-that-lasts https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/64096/how-to-master-board-engagement-and-build-campaign-momentum-that-lasts Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 A passive board costs more than missed meetings. It leaves money on the table. In a capital or comprehensive campaign, a disengaged board erodes credibility, slows momentum, and makes major gift asks harder to secure.Active board engagement, on the other hand, signals leadership, fuels donor confidence, and opens doors to... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63860/strong-publicprivate-partnerships-are-an-often-misunderstood-collaboration-for-increased-campaign-investment https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63860/strong-publicprivate-partnerships-are-an-often-misunderstood-collaboration-for-increased-campaign-investment Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 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,... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63861/lakeshore-advantage-closes-major-funding-gap-with-targeted-campaign-to-expand-economic-development-capacity https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63861/lakeshore-advantage-closes-major-funding-gap-with-targeted-campaign-to-expand-economic-development-capacity Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 $2.3m Campaign Supports Entrepreneurship, Workforce, and Primary Employers Across Allegan and Ottawa CountiesHOLLAND, MI — Lakeshore Advantage has successfully closed a long-standing funding gap through a targeted $2.3 million campaign designed to align its operations with the scale and complexity of the region’s economy. With more than $2.2 million already... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63862/responsive-fundraising-in-action-listening-technology-and-personalization-drive-results https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63862/responsive-fundraising-in-action-listening-technology-and-personalization-drive-results Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 In today's nonprofit landscape, fundraising is no longer a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Building donor loyalty and securing long-term investment takes more than sending out year-end appeals or generic newsletters.It requires a responsive approach.One grounded in data, driven by automation, and centered on authentic human connection.Our team at Convergent has worked with... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63591/is-the-rebound-for-real-giving-usa-2025-reactions https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63591/is-the-rebound-for-real-giving-usa-2025-reactions Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 As Mark Twain famously said, “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”The same could be said of the decline in giving to nonprofits. Reversing a three-year trend of declines, 2024 was the biggest year ever, according to Giving USA 2025. Total giving grew 6.3% in current dollars, a new high... https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63383/how-volunteer-leaders-impact-capital-campaign-success https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/blog/p/item/63383/how-volunteer-leaders-impact-capital-campaign-success Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Nonprofits are used to working on a budget even when running major fundraising initiatives, like a capital campaign. As a result, most nonprofits rely on a handful of trusted volunteers to help support their campaigns.However, volunteer leaders’ responsibilities for a capital campaign differ significantly from those of supporters helping out...