{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DT #626 Stronger Together: The Strategic Merger Reshaping Economic Development Fundraising","description":"In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Brian Abernathy and Clint Nessmith to discuss the strategic merger of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions and Resource Development Group. This isn\u2019t a consolidation story \u2014 it\u2019s a growth strategy. Brian shares how Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was founded during the 2008 financial crisis to bring greater efficiency and innovation to nonprofit fundraising. Clint reflects on Resource Development Group\u2019s roots dating back to 1995, focusing exclusively on economic development fundraising and campaign strategy. Together, they unpack:  Why today\u2019s economic development organizations require increasingly specialized fundraising expertise How quality of place has become central to business attraction and retention The unique fundraising realities facing rural communities Why collaboration between firms can deliver a deeper impact than competition How data analysis and shared resources will strengthen client outcomes Leadership lessons learned from navigating a major transition  The conversation highlights a critical truth for today\u2019s development professionals: trust, adaptability, and cooperation are the new currency of sustainable growth. As funding models evolve and communities demand more measurable results, this merger signals a broader shift in how nonprofit solutions and economic development strategy intersect.   Key Takeaways  Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was launched during the 2008 financial crisis to rethink fundraising efficiency. Resource Development Group has specialized in economic development fundraising since 1995. The merger represents expansion and enhanced service capacity \u2014 not downsizing. Specialized services are increasingly necessary in economic development. Quality of place directly impacts talent attraction and business retention. Rural communities require tailored fundraising strategies. Strategic collaboration can elevate service delivery and outcomes. Trust and cooperation are foundational in business partnerships. Leadership transitions create opportunities for innovation. Data analysis will enhance strategic decision-making and client impact.  ","author_name":"Develop This: Economic and Community Development","author_url":"http:\/\/www.developthispodcast.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40229815\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40229815"}