Late last year, I presented a session for my local AFP chapter entitled Prospect Research for the Non-Researcher.  My intent was to focus on the basics: What is Prospect Research?  What types of information can a researcher typically find/not find out about a prospect?  How can a frontline fundraiser quickly, and for free, begin to [...]

A common mistake that I encounter with clients is the assumption that data analytics is an absolute process.  It is not.  It is a highly effective process in helping identify, segment and prioritize, allowing non-profits to focus their energy strategically.  However, as I wrote about in a previous post On the Importance of Qualifying Prospects [...]

Recently, I read my colleague Laura Worcester’s post on this site “Discover the Sally Fields in Your Database.”  As I was reading the post, I started thinking about interesting ways that I have seen organizations celebrate their donors and immediately thought of three examples: First, the post reminded me of the Honor Roll that I [...]

So often, engagement opportunities for non-profits come at a big expense.  Large scale events, such as galas or golf tournaments designed to raise money, can reach many people at the same time.  But, they often cost so much that the ticket price barely helps the event turn a profit.  And, if you could figure in [...]

One of my roles as a consultant is helping non-profits move the science of predictive modeling and wealth screening into the art, or practice, of real-world fundraising within their offices.  I love this part of my job!  It’s where the academic meets the profession; it’s where the statistics meets the function … it’s where the [...]

Last week, I attended the 2011 annual APRA Conference, held this year in Austin, TX.  In addition to catching up with colleagues and attending some great educational sessions, I was also reminded that this blog was launched last year right around the time of the 2010 APRA Conference.  While I always use the APRA conference [...]

Over the past couple of month so many studies, research reports and survey results pertaining to the fundraising landscape have filled my inbox that it’s getting hard to process all this great data!  Here is just a sampling of those that peak my interest: Capgemini and Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management published their 2011 World [...]

According to the Fraser Institute’s 2010 Generosity Index, Canadian’s tend to be less philanthropic than Americans.  Based on 2008 tax filings, the average Canadian tax filer donates only .73% of their aggregate income per year to charity, whereas Americans give an average of 1.38% of their income.  In fact, Manitoba, the most philanthropic province in [...]

Last time, I wrote about Engaging Students in a Culture of Philanthropy by quoting from Brandeis University’s recently inaugurated President Frederick Lawrence: “you are a student here for four years; you are an alum for the rest of your life.”  And, by quoting the University of Pennsylvania’s executive director of alumni relations Elise Betz: “it [...]

Recently, I had the privilege and honor of participating in the pomp and circumstance of inaugurating Brandeis University’s, my alma mater, new president Frederick Lawrence.  As I sat in the audience, I was impressed by many threads of President Lawrence’s inaugural address.  His comments to the students in the audience, “you are a student here [...]