The Difference: Nonprofit Fundraising in a For-Profit World
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.
Episodes
72 episodes
Placemaking as an Economic Driver
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, Pres...
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28:10
Recruiting the Right Board Members
In this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's
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33:53
Community Colleges: Leading the Entrepreneurial Shift in Workforce Development
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 discu...
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24:27
Rethinking Fundraising: The Donor-Driven Revolution
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 innovati...
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23:11
The Giving Rebound: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know
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...
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26:07
Promise Programs: A Workforce Game Changer
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 ...
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20:45
Beyond Instinct: Using Feasibility Studies to Guide Campaign Strategy
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 c...
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17:51
Asking Rights™, Fundraising's Magic Bullet?
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 fu...
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20:00
From Corporate to Cause: Pam Reid’s Journey into Nonprofit Fundraising
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 givi...
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18:18
Beyond the Brick and Mortar: Building a Comprehensive Campaign
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 campaig...
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12:23
Communicating Your Strategic Plan
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 compellin...
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19:41
Funding for the Future: Diversifying Sources & Strategic Planning
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. Spri...
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17:07
Unlocking Donor Insights: The Power of Market Research in Fundraising
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...
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22:14
Understanding Your Development Scenario
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 comprehen...
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12:26
How Nonprofits Can Secure Sustainable Funding in an Era of Political Uncertainty
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, philanthrepren...
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16:34
What is a Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign?
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...
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19:30
Building Stronger Communities: Doug Croft on the All-America City Awards
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...
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17:06
Asking Rights... Required for Success
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...
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19:02
The Power of Community & Compassion Amidst Disaster Response & Relief
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, ...
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18:02