Convergent and Resource Development Group Merge to Strengthen Economic Development Fundraising

The merger between Convergent and Resource Development Group, announced at the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit, creates a unified organization that will operate as RDG, a Convergent Company. This partnership brings together two respected fundraising firms under a shared strategy while preserving the strengths and reputations of both entities. The new structure fully aligns expertise and resources to meet specific market needs, with RDG spearheading economic development and chamber of commerce markets by executing capital campaigns for multi-year public-private partnerships and workforce development efforts.

Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent, emphasized the importance of this merger, stating that economic development fundraising has become more critical than ever. He noted that clients will benefit from the unique expertise of both organizations, with RDG continuing to operate as before but now as part of a larger, integrated team supporting economic development fundraising nationwide. Clients will continue working with their trusted RDG and Convergent professionals, who now offer extended capacity, enhanced infrastructure, and greater specialization to ensure smooth transitions and sustained, personalized support.

Resource Development Group brings a proven record of board-led, high-value capital campaigns for economic development entities in large and mid-sized markets, while Convergent contributes nationwide reach across various market sizes and a platform emphasizing research, data management, and disciplined execution. The merged organization now commands the largest dataset on economic development fundraising campaigns and donor/investors in the United States, reflecting decades of campaign data, donor engagement, and investor relations best practices that enable informed strategies and real-time campaign execution adjustments.

Clint Nessmith, CEO of RDG, explained that for economic development fundraising, the organization will operate as RDG, a Convergent Company, with clients continuing to work with their trusted team now backed by broader capacity that complements existing expertise. Convergent plans to expand its philanthropic-focused consulting to support education and nonprofit sectors, including community colleges, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and arts organizations, while maintaining its economic development engagement in current markets. Both the Convergent and RDG brands will remain visible, underscoring trust and continuity in the field.

The merger provides significant client benefits, including a single integrated team with fundraising know-how and proven success, continued relationships with both RDG and Convergent professionals, increased capacity and expertise, support for larger multi-year board-led capital campaigns, and flexible proposals tailored to client needs. The combined organization leverages its Investment Driven Model™ and Organizational Value Proposition™ to effectively translate client outcomes into specific benefits for existing stakeholders and potential donors.