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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. 

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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 With nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy and tech innovation, Warner critiques outdated, organization-centric models and champions a more human-centered, donor-driven approach rooted in empathy, data, and value exchange.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.

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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.

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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!

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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. 

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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!

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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 importance of adaptability in response to changing circumstances.

We invite you to continue tuning in to learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising... sign up for updates.