Distressed to Success: Conversations with Community Transformation Leaders
Investing in Impact: Brian Abernathy & Convergent’s Blueprint for Successful Capital Raises
In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent. Brian Abernathy walks us through his journey from youth outreach and education policy in Atlanta to leading a national fundraising consulting firm that helps communities unlock the last piece of capital needed to transform underutilized or blighted assets. Together, they explore how Convergent’s “investment-driven” model reframes charitable giving into strategic funding partnerships, bringing individuals, corporations, foundations, and public entities together to back projects that deliver measurable social and economic returns. Brian and Brian dig into the nuts and bolts of Convergent’s work: starting with a feasibility study that validates community outcomes, aligns key stakeholders, and establishes realistic fundraising goals anywhere from $2 million to $250 million. They highlight case studies ranging from Fort Madison, Iowa’s downtown arena and marina redevelopment to a National Guard armory-turned–Boys & Girls Club in Kentucky, public library enhancements in the Midwest, amphitheater and waterfront park projects, and arts organizations in Atlanta. Listeners learn how Convergent tailors flat-fee campaign management, whether augmenting in-house teams or fully outsourcing solicitations, to secure that critical gap funding and keep momentum rolling. Throughout the conversation, the importance of early coalition-building among public sector leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate partners shines through as the key to success. Brian Abernathy shares practical insights on timing, messaging, and structuring multi-lane funding stacks so community transformation moves from vision to reality. To explore whether your next redevelopment or nonprofit capital campaign could benefit from Convergent’s approach, visit convergentnonprofit.com and schedule a complimentary feasibility discussion. Timestamps Convergent’s mission & Brian Abernathy’s background – 00:34 Bridging funding gaps in community redevelopment projects – 05:47 Nonprofit project case studies (armory retrofit, library expansion, amphitheater) – 08:12 Growth of public–private partnership initiatives nationwide – 18:23 Feasibility study process & end-to-end fundraising campaign management – 24:19 Get in touch with Brian Abernathy Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergent-nonprofit-solutions/ Website: https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConvergentNonprofitSolutions Book mentioned Book of Proverbs: https://www.amazon.com.br/Book-Proverbs-Digital-Bible-English-ebook/dp/B0D3WMD64W Get in touch with the host Brian Seidensticker Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast Subscribe to follow the show! Chapters (00:00:00) - Nonprofits: The Dividends (00:01:05) - Distress to Success: Convergent Community Development (00:02:38) - Interviews: Brian Convergint and Fort Madison (00:05:00) - How Can We Close the Funding Gap for Communities? (00:08:56) - How Philanthropists Help Nonprofits Get to Success (00:12:08) - Do Nonprofits Need to Raise Capital? (00:14:31) - In addition to the initial capital raise, do you also help with (00:16:57) - Have You Chosen the Right Nonprofits to Support? (00:19:49) - WSJD Live: The Challenges of Funding Community Projects (00:23:21) - What to Know Before Launching a Project? (00:24:53) - In the Know: Fundraising and Feasibility Studies (00:27:42) - How Does Convergint Fund Its Projects? (00:30:01) - Distress to Success
