For those of us with years of fundraising under our belt, the very mention of the word “volunteers” can send shivers down one’s spine.  However, while, volunteer management is not everyone’s cup of tea, volunteers are frequently an under-utilized asset—and a very cost effective way of achieving your development goals. First, a bit of a [...]

As 2011 came to a close, I had numerous conversations with colleagues about a perennial topic—donor recognition.  After 25+ years in development, I am amazed at the plethora of scenarios that can emerge—and the extent to which each requires thought and consideration.  Sometimes there is no clear “right” answer, as each situation can be unique.  [...]

The holidays are nearly here and, for many of us, the joy of the season can be overshadowed by the exasperation of endless expectations.   When we consider all that is expected of us these days, it is amazing more of us aren’t simply going crazy.  And, when you factor in that fundraising professionals have the [...]

“….And I can’t deny the fact that you like me.  Right now you like me!” In 1985 Sally Fields made the world smile with these simple words.  Her own smile going from ear to ear, she absolutely gushed as she thanked the audience and her fans during her Oscar acceptance speech.  Suddenly the simplicity of [...]

Those of us who have been in development for a while have seen many things change over the years.  One of the biggest of these has been the growth of prospect research in general and prospect screening in particular.   Way back in 1984, when I first started as a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, [...]

“Wow!”  That was my first reaction when I read a newspaper article about the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.  I happen to live in the Milwaukee area so it warmed my heart to see this headline in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:  “MSO Finishes Fiscal Year with a Flourish.”  Similar to many metropolitan areas in recent years, the [...]

I am frequently asked what suggestions I have for determining the best “Top Prospects” for each type of giving.  Undoubtedly, if I ask what measures have been used to date, the answer usually gravitates to some interpretation of greatest wealth–whether it is actual assets or anecdotal wealth information obtained from another source.   All too often I [...]

Updates from October 31, 2011: We are sharing with you an email excerpt between the author Laura Worcester and ProspectResearch.com reader Marrilee Chamberlain, Manager of the Annual Fund & Alumni Relations at Kuyper College. Hi Marrilee, Thank you for copying me on your email—I think, as fundraisers, we can all benefit from this type of [...]

Recently I offered reasons as to why Peer Screening—the use of volunteers to evaluate a list of their peers’ donor potential—could benefit your organization.  To follow up, I wanted to share a few insights into ways to do this effectively.  Just like virtually every other tool, there is no absolute “right” way—other development professionals may [...]

If you are like me, you are shaking your head as you look at the calendar, asking yourself, “How did it get to be MAY?  I just put the Christmas stuff away!”  Believe it or not, June 30 is less than 8 weeks away, perhaps leaving some organizations wondering how they are going to meet [...]