Economic Development

Economic Development Organization Fundraising

Economic Development icon

Here at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, we understand the importance of economic development organizations and the role they play in communities across the nation. Local economies are the key to talent attraction, workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and fueling economic mobility on a larger scale. This is why gaining reliable funding is important for the future of your organization and the impact it can continue to make. What happens if you can’t access the funds you need to support your community? The fundraising experts at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions can help.

Case Studies

Here is a closer look at some of the economic development organizations that Convergent has supported to fundraising success. You can also see the full extent of our case studies here.

Economic Development Sector

Success Story: Phelps County Development Corporation (/convergent/case-studies/launching-a-successful-first-capital-campaign)

Success Story: Southern Tier Economic Growth (/convergent/case-studies/hiring-fundraising-counsel-after-years-of-inhouse-campaigns)

Success Story: The Chamber of Greater Springfield (/convergent/case-studies/fundraising-accelerate-economic-growth-during-pandemic)

Success Story: The Chamber, Lawrence, KS (/convergent/case-studies/ensuring-funders-support-your-strategic-plan)

A Few Of Our Economic Development Clients

Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

Sanford Area Growth Alliance

Phelps County Development Corp

Rowan EDC

Sandusky County EDC

Texas Association of Business

Tallahassee EDC

Wayne EDC

Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development

North East Tennessee Regional EP

Lee County Economic Development Group

Greater Burlington Partnership

Onward New River Valley

Kyndle

Virginia's Gateway Region ED

Southern Tier Economic Growth

Roanoke Regional Partnership

Eastern Oklahoma County

Elevate Rapid City

Clinton Regional Development Corp

Craven 100 Alliance

Wayne County Development Alliance

Economic Development partnership of North Carolina

Yakima County Development Association

Greater Dubuque

Burke Development Incorporated

Jefferson County EDC

Tell Us About Your Economic Development Organization

When you are ready to get the support you need to thrive, contact us with details about your economic development organization. Our capital campaign consultants will be in touch with information about how we can help. With the right resources and experience on your side, there is no telling how far your economic development organization can go. Partner with Convergent today to meet and exceed your funding goals for tomorrow.

Click Here to Get Started

Megan Lucas

Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was the easiest choice for us. Their nonprofit knowledge, economic development experience, and understanding of the complexities that exist in public-private partnerships like ours was the trifecta. The Convergent team executed a feasibility plan that we continue to use today and a retention strategy that assists in retention and recruitment of our investors. The information, influence, and connections brought to our table by the Convergent team solidified our role in the community as the regional leader in business and economic development.

Megan Lucas
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

Beth Hannam

I would absolutely recommend using Convergent. We were very pleased with our results. Not only did we raise more money than we thought was possible (15% over goal), we did it six weeks ahead of schedule and under budget! I don’t think we would be where we are today without their guidance.

Beth Hannam
Sandusky County EDC

Lee Crume

We really liked Convergent's approach in looking at the science in terms of what the benefits would be to the community and quantifying that. They took an analytical approach as opposed to simply running a campaign.

Lee Crume
Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

Rick Dickinson

We can count on them to provide solid recommendations for our campaign, specific enough that they offer direction but broad enough that they aren't limiting. We’ve had good experiences with each study Convergent has done, but I have to say this was the best one despite the challenges of a global pandemic. We were very pleased.

Rick Dickinson
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation

Rod Crider, CEcD, CCE

I’ve worked with Convergent on four campaigns now and their concern for our success, along with their integrity and professionalism, are the reasons that I will continue to use them in the future.

Rod Crider, CEcD, CCE
Rowan Economic Development Commission

Lisa Zaken

“In the span of six short months, our Board went from being nervous about the initial campaign investment to being ecstatic with the attainment of our goal, and our subsequent stretch goal! Convergent can do it like no other. Their system is rigorous and extremely effective. We have nothing but great things to say about this organization!”

Lisa Zaken, President & CEO
Leadership Gwinnett | Duluth, GA

Dion Davis

“The strategy and support offered by Convergent helped our Board expand its vision for the Foundation, which in turn helped to refocus and redefine our organization's impact in our community. The methodology behind their capital campaign process not only helps to raise more money in the immediate, but it also builds best practices for long-term investor relations and lays groundwork for the success of future funding initiatives.”

Dion Davis, Former Executive Director
Jekyll Island Foundation | Jekyll Island, GA

Increased Funding Fuels Workforce Growth at Rural Community Colleges Photo - Click Here to See

Increased Funding Fuels Workforce Growth at Rural Community Colleges

October 6, 2025

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,...

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Understanding Your Development Scenario Strengthens Campaign Success

September 23, 2025

Launching a comprehensive campaign without understanding your development scenario is a costly mistake. Boards and executives often focus on the size of the goal or the timeline for raising funds. The real question is whether your organization is structurally prepared to sustain the effort. A development...

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Escaping Federal Funding Dependency Requires a New Nonprofit Playbook

September 23, 2025

Federal dollars once formed the largest share of many nonprofit budgets. That foundation is shifting. Convergent Nonprofit Solutions has seen a surge of inquiries from nonprofit groups across the country asking the same urgent question: how do we replace federal funding and grants that no...

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Relationship Building and Trust are the Keys to Securing Large Dollar Investment

September 23, 2025

Securing significant investments for community initiatives starts long before a campaign announcement. The long-term work of building and sustaining relationships takes time and effort. Investors, whether corporations, institutions, or high-net-worth individuals, commit resources to organizations they trust. Trust grows from consistency, proven performance, and visible...

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Funding Shortfalls and Future Skills Gaps Are Colliding at Rural Community Colleges

September 22, 2025

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...

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