The Difference: Nonprofit Fundraising in a For-Profit World

Jay Werth, Host
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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.

  1. 19 AGO

    Community Colleges: Leading the Entrepreneurial Shift in Workforce Development

    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 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.

    24 min

  2. 29 JUL

    Rethinking Fundraising: The Donor-Driven Revolution

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 With nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy and tech innovation, Warner critiques outdated, organization-centric models and champions a more human-centered, donor-driven approach rooted in empathy, data, and value exchange.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

    23 min

  3. 14 JUL

    The Giving Rebound: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know

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

    26 min

  4. 23 JUN

    Promise Programs: A Workforce Game Changer

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

    21 min

  5. 5 JUN

    Beyond Instinct: Using Feasibility Studies to Guide Campaign Strategy

    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, visually appealing, and tailored to the audience.  Curious why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising? Sign up for updates!

    18 min

  6. 20 MAY

    Asking Rights™, Fundraising's Magic Bullet?

    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!

    20 min

  7. 28 ABR

    From Corporate to Cause: Pam Reid’s Journey into Nonprofit Fundraising

    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 nonprofit fundraising. Sign up for updates!

    18 min

  8. 14 ABR

    Beyond the Brick and Mortar: Building a Comprehensive Campaign

    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'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!

    12 min
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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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