We used another firm in the past and weren’t happy with them. Our experience this time around was as different as night and day – with Convergent being DAY!
-Rick Dickinson, Executive Director, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
In the span of six short months, our Board went from being nervous about the campaign to ecstatic with the attainment of our goal, and our subsequent stretch goal! Convergent can do it like no other. We have nothing but good things to say about them!
-Lisa Zaken, Executive Director, Leadership Gwinnett
The amount raised by Convergent in our first campaign was by far the largest in our history and did it right in the midst of the recession. We just hired Convergent to run our second campaign and didn’t even consider going out to bid. We’re very happy to recommend Convergent to anyone contemplating a capital campaign.
-Steve Howe, Executive Director, Vermillion Area Chamber
The strategy and support offered by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions helped our Board expand its vision for the Foundation, which in turn helped to refocus and redefine the organization’s impact in our community. The methodology behind Convergent’s capital campaign process not only helps to raise more money in the immediate, it also builds best practices for long-term investor relations and lays groundwork for the success of future funding initiatives.
-Dion Davis, Executive Director, Jekyll Island Foundation
Convergent is second-to-none at what they can do for nonprofit organizations. Not only will they raise the funds you need, they’ll help you make friends in the community, communicate your mission effectively, and help you understand what your strengths and weaknesses really are. They are amazing. I’d recommend them to anyone.
-Brad Schneider, Past CEO, Kyndle
I can’t express enough how grateful I am to Convergent. This is the second feasibility study that I’ve been through with the Humane Society and it was SUCH a positive experience. I felt like this was truly a collaborative effort between Convergent and HSOG.
-Karen Petty, Executive Director, Humane Society of Greenwood
Exceptional service and valuable insights were delivered by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions when they conducted our comprehensive campaign feasibility study. The report’s results and recommendations are pivotal for the success of our campaign. Convergent surpassed our expectations in relating to our donors.
-Steven Bessert, Executive Director of Development & Campaign Manager, Gardner-Webb University
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. Convergent’s entrepreneurial approach will definitely get you where you want to go.
-Jeff Taylor, CEO, Oakhurst Medical Center
Our program staff gained a critical understanding on how to communicate our organization’s value to the community.
-Gwen Lee, Executive Director, The ARC of Anchorage
We have done logic models, SMART goals, and outcome measures for years. But after completing Ralser’s OVP analysis, our staff and board members’ enthusiasm for the mission increased, as they saw the significant economic value we contribute to our community each year. The OVP tool helps us make a compelling case for support that resonates with local donors and supporters beyond emotional appeals.
-Marina Sampanes Peed, Former Executive Director of the Impact! Group
I am now able to communicate meaningful value to investors. This has been both organizationally and professionally transformational.
-Teresa Mills, Deputy Director, Peace at Home Family Shelter
The concepts translated to our many areas of service, and inspired many spirited discussions on how we could demonstrate our value to funders, improve our development department, and position ourselves for future success.
-Danielli Navarro Nieto Lopez, Development Director, Albert Einstein Hospital System, Sao Paulo, Brazil
I learned so much and feel I am now able to communicate meaningful value to investors. This training program has been both organizationally and professionally transformational.
-Teresa Mills, Development Manager, Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center
Tom Ralser delivered an excellent keynote address to our members detailing the benefits of viewing capital campaigns as long-term investment opportunities rather than just a single donation transaction. Attendees walked away with a greater understanding of the strategies they could implement right away to foster long term relationships with community members and stakeholders in their organizations.
-Jessica Taylor, VP Marketing & Client Relations, Western Healthcare Alliance
I’d like to thank the Convergent team for our fabulous training session on “Making Effective Asks.” This session exceeded our expectations, and I feel we’ve received some great guidance and much-needed inspiration as we kick off our fundraising. Our presenters were clearly experts in the field.
-Bo Crader, Clemson Community Foundation Board Chair
Tom did a wonderful job and met and exceeded all expectation. His workshop has sparked conversation, especially with the older development professionals who say an emotional ask is the only way to go.
-Sharon Reiss, Vice President of Programs, AFP Fairfield County (CT) Chapter
I found this session fascinating and look forward to reading Asking Rights.
-Attendee Comment, “Identifying & Communicating Outcomes that Increase Funding” Advanced Level Session, Presented at BoardSource Leadership Forum
Great takeaways I can use in my grants immediately.
-Attendee Comment, “ROI & Grant Proposals: What’s Effective in This Economy” Advanced Level Session, Presented at Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference
