Claim OwnershipThe Difference: Nonprofit Fundraising in a For-Profit World
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In every community, nonprofits compete within a narrow band of funders. Many struggle to stand out and make their case the most compelling. What difference allows your nonprofit to reach fundraising goals and achieve financial sustainability? In each episode, an expert addresses what makes the difference for major investments, feasibility studies, campaigns, and effective organizations.
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Send us a text In this episode of 'The Difference', we explore how great communities don’t just attract businesses, they inspire people to put down roots. Join Brian Abernathy, General Manager at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, and Jerald Mitchell, President & CEO of Beaten Path LLC, as they dive into the power of placemaking as a catalyst for economic growth. Discover how shaping community identity, investing in public spaces, and building with intention can transform a region’s tr...
Send us a text In this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker to discuss Recruiting the Right Board Members. Topics discussed include: Why thoughtful board recruitment mattersCommon mistakes in recruitmentIdentifying strong candidates beyond your circleEvaluating fit (skills, mission-alignment, diversity, and affiliations)Aligning and cultivating Interest and making the ask effectivelyClarifying expectations and securi...
Send us a text Joe April, Convergent Senior Partner, and Dr. John Rainone, President of Virginia’s Mountain Gateway Community College, and a Convergent Senior Counsel join the host of the Develop This! podcast, Dennis Fraise, in this special episode, to discuss leveraging community colleges to address workforce needs. Joe shares his transformation, which was made possible through community college support, and John highlights the importance of entrepreneurial approaches, citing his coll...
Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Host Jay Werth sits down with Greg Warner, CEO and founder of MarketSmart, to explore the paradigm shift reshaping nonprofit fundraising. With nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy and tech innovation, Warner critiques outdated, organization-centric models and champions a more human-centered, donor-driven approach rooted in empathy, data, and value exchange. Together, they unpack why traditional fundraising methods are falling short...
Send us a text After three years of declining donations, 2024 delivered a reversal that has nonprofit leaders everywhere asking: "Is this rebound for real?" In this insightful analysis linked to the 2025 Giving USA Report, Convergent Principal Tom Ralser and General Manager, Brian Abernathy, join Jay Werth to reveal the drivers behind donor behavior, not just economic indicators. This is a strategic deep-dive connecting the dots between market psychology, donor motivation, and practical...
Send us a text In this episode, Convergent's Funding Strategist, Katie Davenport, shares her inspiring journey from middle school science teacher to Executive Director of the Greenwood Promise. She discusses how the program provides tuition-free education to students in Greenwood County, building a skilled workforce and strengthening the local economy. Katie opens up about overcoming fundraising challenges, the growing impact of promise programs nationwide, and the vital role of early and con...
Send us a text Convergent's Jay Werth and Pam Reid discuss the importance of conducting a feasibility study before launching a capital or comprehensive campaign. Pam emphasizes that feasibility studies provide crucial intelligence for a case for investment development and informed decision-making. She also introduces the IMPACT acronym for case content: Introduction, Mission, Problem, Actual Impact, Call to Action, and Transparency. Pam advises that draft cases should be concise, visual...
Send us a text Convergent Nonprofit Solutions' Tom Ralser explains why Asking Rights™ raises the sights for your organization's donors. Join Tom and The Difference Host Jay Werth as they discuss how nonprofit leaders and organizations can move the funding process from a charity mindset to one of investment. You don't want to miss it!
Send us a text Convergent Senior Funding Strategist, Pam Reid, and Host Jay Werth, discuss Pam's transition from her for-profit corporate role to nonprofit fundraising. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in board member expectations, including giving, fundraising, and attendance. Pam also highlights the need for 100% board participation in campaigns and strategies to foster a productive board fundraising culture. Learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for ...
Send us a text In this episode, 'The Difference' Host Jay Werth, sits down with Nat Auten, President & CEO of the YMCA of Catawba Valley in Western North Carolina, to explore what it takes to plan and execute a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign. From capital improvements to endowments and annual funds, Nat shares how his donor-centric approach, focus on legacy giving, and deep YMCA roots have shaped a strategy that resonates with supporters across the board. Whether you'...
Send us a text Convergent's Capital Campaign series features Daniel Hall, Director of Managed Service for Harness Giving, and host Jay Werth, discussing how nonprofit leaders can best communicate a strategic plan that is actionable, transparent, and compelling to internal stakeholders and potential donors. Learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising. Sign up for updates.
Send us a text Join Sarah Sprinkle, CEO and Founder of Sarah Sprinkle Philanthropy, and The Difference podcast host, Jay Werth, as they discuss the importance of a comprehensive strategic plan before launching a fundraising campaign. Sprinkle emphasizes aligning the mission with the organization's impact, creating time-sensitive goals, and involving stakeholders. Sprinkle also shared her approach to strategic planning, using spreadsheets to outline goals and strategies, and the importan...
Send us a text In the latest episode of Convergent's The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth discusses comprehensive fundraising campaigns with Li Li from Foursquare Research, Inc. Li Li explains the importance of market analysis as a tool for nonprofits, likening it to a GPS for efficient planning. She emphasizes the need for unbiased research to avoid confirmation bias and highlights the significance of involving stakeholders. We invite you to continue tuning in to learn why Comprehens...
Send us a text In this episode of The Difference, Convergent's Rex Otey and Jay Werth discuss the importance of development audits for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing their role in evaluating fundraising effectiveness and readiness for comprehensive campaigns. Otey highlights that audits are not punitive but aim to improve fundraising efficiency. He shares an example of a higher education client that followed audit recommendations to enhance staffing and fundraising. Tune in ...
Send us a text In an era of economic shifts and political uncertainty, how can nonprofits secure sustainable funding and continue their vital work? In this episode of The Difference, host Jay Werth speaks with Amber Wynn, philanthrepreneur, about the impact of today’s political climate on fundraising. They explore key strategies for financial stability, compliance, and effective communication, that help nonprofits weather uncertainty while maximizing impact. Tune in to discover actionab...
Send us a text In this episode of The Difference, host Jay Werth sits down with Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. Brian oversees Convergent’s strategic direction, daily operations, and project success, ensuring clients achieve their fundraising goals. Kicking off a new series on Comprehensive Campaigns, Jay and Brian explore the benefits of this multi-year fundraising approach—how it fosters cohesive messaging, strengthens donor engagement, and drives long-te...
Send us a text In this episode of 'The Difference', join host Jay Werth, and guest, Doug Croft, Senior Project Manager with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. Croft has 30 years of nonprofit management experience, starting early in his career with the Boy Scouts of America, and eventually leading three chambers of commerce in North Carolina and Texas. Croft discusses his all-time favorite volunteer role as Volunteer Coordinator and Mentor for the national All-America City Awards program. Lear...
Send us a text In this episode of 'The Difference', join host Jay Werth, and guest, Tom Ralser, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions' Principal and Director of Asking Rights. Tom Ralser has a three-decade career in fundraising. He’s consulted with and added value to numerous nonprofit organizations, and pioneered applying return on investment principles to nonprofit fundraising. In this episode, Tom will give an overview of "asking rights" and how it focuses on the value outcomes that nonprofit...
Send us a text Tune in to hear Jay Werth's latest conversation on 'The Difference' podcast with Convergent's Project Director, Andy Brubaker. Brubaker just finished an incredible two-week volunteer deployment with the American Red Cross in Georgia, where he supported disaster response and relief efforts. He describes what it was like to help Georgia’s communities affected by Hurricane Helene and witness the resilience and strength of those impacted.
Send us a text Mike Goorhouse, Founder of Inspiring Impact, explains how planned giving can be transformational for nonprofits. Speaker Bio Mike Goorhouse is Founder and Lead Consultant at Inspiring Impact, LLC, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofit and philanthropic organizations effectively inspire change in their community. He has spent his entire career in philanthropy including working with Family Foundations, Community Foundations and Youth Grantmakers while at the Council of Michigan...
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