The merger between Convergent and Resource Development Group, announced at the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit, creates a unified organization that now commands the largest dataset on economic development fundraising campaigns and donor/investors in the United States. This consolidation brings together two respected fundraising firms under a shared strategy while preserving the strength and reputation of both entities.
Effective immediately, Resource Development Group will operate as RDG, a Convergent Company, with RDG spearheading the economic development and chamber of commerce markets. The new structure fully aligns expertise and resources to meet specific market needs, particularly executing capital campaigns for multi-year public-private partnerships and workforce development efforts. Economic development fundraising has become increasingly critical, and this merger positions the combined organization to better serve clients nationwide.
"Economic development fundraising is more critical than ever. Our clients will benefit from the unique expertise of each of us," said Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent. "RDG will operate as before, 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.
The significance of this merger lies in the combined data resources and expertise. 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's extensive dataset reflects decades of campaign data, donor engagement, and investor relations best practices, enabling more informed strategies and real-time campaign execution adjustments.
"For economic development fundraising, we operate as RDG, a Convergent Company," said Clint Nessmith, CEO of RDG. "Clients will continue working with the trusted team, now backed by broader capacity that complements our expertise." The merger creates a single integrated team with fundraising know-how and proven success, supporting larger, multi-year, board-led capital campaigns with flexible proposals tailored to client needs from either RDG or Convergent.
Beyond economic development, Convergent plans to expand its philanthropic-focused consulting, supporting 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 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.
