Raising Money Now: Fundraising During Times of Economic Uncertainty

Mark Bergethon is a founding principal of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions and is recognized as one of the leading national experts in funding nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through fundraising campaigns. Mark has directed and provided oversight for more than 100 feasibility studies and fundraising campaigns for organizations nationwide, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for a wide variety of nonprofits and economic development organizations. His specialized expertise includes transitioning membership-based organizations into investment-based organizations, forging public/private partnerships, forming and capitalizing new economic development organizations, and establishing regional economic development collaboration. He has also authored two legal reference books, a research paper in an international academic journal, and numerous articles on fundraising and other nonprofit concerns.

Rex Otey is the senior director of campaign services for Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. He has generated over $90 million for various nonprofit organizations over his 30+ year career. He has led development efforts for churches, nonprofits, and universities. During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with over 20 college, university, and private college-preparatory institutions, with responsibilities ranging from directing capital and comprehensive campaigns to the overhaul of development operations. For instance, he reworked Catawba College’s (NC) annual fund program, exceeding their $1.2 million goal each year, and energized Rockford College’s (IL) annual fund, doubling the four-year campaign goal and raising over $10 million. As a chief development officer and career fundraiser, Rex has met the challenges of managing annual funds, major gifts, planned giving, alumni/parent programs, and large teams of volunteers. His energetic, innovative approach and focus on genuine relationship building equip him to revitalize existing programs and create new ones, continually exceeding fundraising goals throughout his career. Rex’s talents are suited for his role, interfacing with Convergent clients and assisting the project directors who serve them.