2025 Philanthropic Review & 2026 Outlook

Listen for an in-depth conversation with our philanthropic consulting team as they share key trends emerging from their 2025 client work and discuss how these insights should inform fundraising strategies for 2026.

We explored topics such as the Great Wealth Transfer, evolving major-gifts strategies amid generational shifts in decision-making, anticipated changes in federal grant funding, the growing influence of AI in fundraising, and other critical developments shaping the sector.

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About the Presenters

Brian Abernathy

General Manager Job Title

Andy Brubaker

Funding Strategist Job Title

Katie Davenport

Funding Strategist Job Title

Rex Otey

Senior Director, Campaign Services Job Title

Perry Radford

Project Director Job Title

Elissa Schneider

Project Director Job Title

Amy Sexton

Senior Project Director Job Title

Greta von Unruh

Senior Consultant Job Title

Andrew Keenan

“The fact that Convergent could make the ask was huge. Working with our director and joining solicitations made me a better fundraiser – that was the right formula for us. Moving forward I feel much more confident in making asks and telling our story, and that is going to make us more sustainable in the long run.”

Andrew Keenan, Executive Director
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Atlanta, GA

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

Robin Mauck

“Working with Convergent has been a pleasure all the way around. Their approach is customized to your organization and their expertise is unmatched in the field. The Convergent team immersed themselves in our process, culture, and goals to provide exceptional value during our campaign. They truly walk alongside you every step of the way!”

Robin Mauck, Executive Director
Obria Medical Clinics Gwinnett | Lawrenceville, GA

Aimee Hall

“I loved working with Convergent. I never could have done what Convergent did. If you want to run a successful campaign, you need to bring in that expertise. Thanks to their help, our capital campaign really took us to the next level within our community.”

Aimee Hall, Executive Director
Safe Homes Domestic Violence Center | Augusta, GA

Phillip Aldridge

“I wanted to thank everyone from the Convergent team who assisted in our campaign. Of the varying ways the campaign’s success may be measured, I count it a blessing that we achieved what we did. Not just the funds committed but the contacts made, the level of exposure reached, and ultimately, what the funds and exposure mean in terms of how many more we now serve as a result. My thanks is in recognition and appreciation for Convergent serving as our fundraising counsel and for the patience and professionalism demonstrated throughout the campaign. You were a godsend for Valley Healthcare!”

Phillip Aldridge, Board Chair
Valley Healthcare System | Colombus, GA

Jeff Taylor

“Early in our campaign feasibility study it became apparent that we lacked the Asking Rights necessary to conduct a capital campaign. As a result, Convergent’s knowledgeable consultants prepared an extensive plan of action that is a road map for growing our awareness and philanthropy. A successful capital campaign will be possible in the near future. Their entrepreneurial approach will definitely get you where you want to go.”

Jeff Taylor, CEO
MedCura Health, formerly Oakhurst Medical Center | Stone Mountain, GA

A Guide to the Capital Campaign Feasibility Study: 5 Steps Photo - Click Here to See

A Guide to the Capital Campaign Feasibility Study: 5 Steps

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Since nonprofit organizations rely on gifts from donors to support their mission, a thorough fundraising strategy is critical. However, even nonprofits with thorough funding plans run into obstacles at times, resulting in unmet goals and worries about sustainability and long-term plans.Whether you’re encountering times of...

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How to Hire a Capital Campaign Consultant: What to Know

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It’s no secret that capital campaigns are some of the largest undertakings for a nonprofit. To set yourself up for success, start by ensuring you have the right team members to support you—that might mean a capital campaign consultant.In this guide, we’ll discuss the details...

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Convergent Reflects on a Productive 2025 and Prepares for a Shifting Funding Environment in 2026

December 22, 2025

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...

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