In this special episode of The Difference, Host Jay Werth speaks with Brian Abernathy, General Manager, Convergent, and Clint Nessmith, CEO of Resource Development Group, to discuss the merger uniting the two respected fundraising firms.

The partnership expands national capacity, strengthens board-led capital campaign execution, and brings together the largest dataset in economic development fundraising.

Brian and Clint share the strategic vision behind the merger, what it means for current clients, and how the integrated team will support economic development, chambers, and philanthropic organizations moving forward.

Tune in for a concise look at what this next chapter means for fundraising nationwide.

Fundraising can often feel like chaos, spreadsheets, shifting metrics, donor churn, and constant pressure to hit the next goal. But what if the real breakthrough isn’t in more tactics… but in a fundamental mindset shift?

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Tomalis, Chief Revenue Officer at Avid and a fundraising leader with more than 20 years of experience and 4,000+ face-to-face donor solicitations. Erik has helped raise millions for healthcare, education, human services, and youth-focused nonprofits and now he’s helping organizations simplify and scale their efforts through the first AI-powered Fundraising Operating System built specifically for nonprofits.

We explore:

• What “chaos” really looks like inside fundraising teams—and why it’s so hard to cut through
• The hidden costs of transactional donor relationships
• How to shift from spreadsheets to community
• The 1–2 data questions that actually matter
• Why retention breaks down and how to fix it in the first 90 days
• How to empower fundraisers to act with clarity and confidence

If you want to stop chasing numbers and start building lasting donor relationships, this episode is for you.

In this panel discussion of The Difference led by Convergent's Andy Brubaker and Pam Reid, the two are joined by Jeff Baldwin, CEO (Ret) of the Bloomington Boys & Girls Club, along with Melanie Conner of Rainbow Village, to unpack what effective board engagement really looks like in practice. The conversation begins by setting the stage, examining why ongoing engagement matters and the most common challenges organizations face in keeping board members meaningfully involved.

The panel then explores proven strategies that foster participation, strengthen relationships, and motivate board members through clarity, recognition, and purpose. Drawing from firsthand experience, the panelists share real-world case studies, quick wins, and long-term approaches that help boards move from passive oversight to active leadership, offering practical takeaways nonprofit leaders can apply immediately.

In this episode of The Difference, host Jay Werth sits down with members of Convergent’s Philanthropic Services team for a forward-looking discussion on trends from across their 2025 client work and what it means for fundraising in 2026.

The conversation explores major forces shaping the sector, including the Great Wealth Transfer, shifting major-gifts strategies driven by generational decision-making, anticipated changes in federal grant funding, and the growing role of AI in fundraising. Together, these insights offer practical guidance for nonprofit leaders preparing for a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape.

In this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker for a candid conversation about the critical role board members play in effective fundraising. 

Together, they explore why board engagement is essential to organizational sustainability, how to overcome common hesitation and fear around fundraising, and how fundraising serves as a natural extension of mission and stewardship. 

The discussion also highlights the practical roles board members can take on, as ambassadors, advocates, and askers, and the importance of clear expectations, training, and accountability to set boards up for success. 

In this special year-end edition of The Difference, host Jay Werth takes listeners on a curated journey through the most impactful conversations of 2025. This 25-minute highlight reel revisits the standout insights shared by leading voices in philanthropy, social impact, and fundraising strategy.

Join us as we celebrate a year of learning, growth, and meaningful conversation on The Difference: Nonprofit Fundraising in a For-Profit World.

In this episode of The Difference, Jay Werth welcomes David Wachs, the creator of Handwrytten, a groundbreaking platform that helps nonprofits deepen donor relationships through handwritten communication, produced by remarkably life-like writing robots. David explains how handwritten notes enhance donor stewardship, boost retention, and help organizations stand out in a world overwhelmed by digital noise. Plus, he shares real examples of nonprofits using Handwrytten to build trust and connection at scale.  

Mission-focused leaders often prioritize compassion and team harmony—but sometimes at the expense of accountability. In this podcast, host Jay Werth and guest Chris Wong, who advises both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, discuss how leaders can hold people to standards without abandoning empathy, and how this balance improves culture, performance, and impact.

In this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker to discuss Effective Board Management. Topics discussed include: 

• Governance vs. management (setting boundaries)
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities
• Effective use of committees and task forces
• Assessing performance & handling underperformance
• Keeping members engaged and developing their leadership

If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to join us for our upcoming webinar "Board Members' Role in Fundraising" on November 13 at 1:30 PM ET. Register Now!

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 trajectory, fueling investment, attracting top talent, and sparking long-term prosperity.

If you’re passionate about creating communities where people and businesses thrive, this conversation is a must-listen. 

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 matters
• Common mistakes in recruitment
• Identifying strong candidates beyond your circle
• Evaluating fit (skills, mission-alignment, diversity, and affiliations)
• Aligning and cultivating Interest and making the ask effectively
• Clarifying expectations and securing commitment

If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to join us for our upcoming webinar "Effective Board Management" on October 16 at 1:30 PM ET. Register Now!

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 college's $7.3 million renovation, which was funded by public-private partnerships. 

Both emphasize the need for flexible, short-term training programs to meet industry demands—both note trends like apprenticeships and regional collaborations. 

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 with modern donors—and how nonprofits must evolve. Warner explains how meaningful engagement, donor readiness, and intentional experience design are becoming core to successful major and legacy gift strategies.

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 fundraising success. Understanding these insights could be the difference between riding the wave of renewed giving or watching it roll on by.

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 continuous student engagement. 

Tune in to hear how holistic support and community partnerships are transforming lives through education!

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, visually appealing, and tailored to the audience. 

Curious why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising? Sign up for updates!

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!

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 nonprofit fundraising. Sign up for updates!

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're a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring takeaways. 

Learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising. Sign up for updates!

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.