Achieving Nonprofit Fundraising Data Potential with Doug Cogswell

by Jennifer Filla | Nov 1, 2022 | Learning Edge Blog, News

Doug Cogswell is a man in motion. And he has served in the fundraising field long enough, helping a large variety of organizations, to witness first-hand what propels an organization through change and into more efficient and effective fundraising with data.

We hear all the time about the importance of being “data-driven.” But it wasn’t until I interviewed Doug that I could see and feel how that could play out in a positive way.

He talks about leadership leading the way with “I wonder” questions – especially questions that focus on what is working, instead of what is not working. And he talks about open conversations across the team that can lead to powerhouse partnerships between prospect researchers and development officers.

He talks about people in motion.

According to Doug, it all starts with a leader that wants to see the data – and can’t help but to ask the “I wonder” questions.

I wonder how your leadership feels about data?

Resources Mentioned

Doug Cogswell on LinkedIn | Connect with Doug!
The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business | Clayton M. Christensen | 2011
Major Giving Performance Drivers and Change Management | Doug Cogswell at Pursuant | 2020 | Webinar Recording and Slides

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Words from happy Researchers

Success Stories

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I love your Master Class format – small group, clearly defined curriculum, solid professional information and resources and focus on discussion. But most importantly I was impressed and delighted to see that you incorporated an additional and extremely practical layer of knowledge, through hands on experience with tools (pivot tables) or resources (Candid). This adds real value to the educational experience you offer.

Betsy Mehlman

2020-Master Class

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Jen’s course on insider stock and compensation was informative, interesting, and well-thought out. Jen broke down the complicated material into digestible pieces. She showed us resources that I use in my day-to-day research that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. Jen is always quick to respond and has been helpful even after the class has ended. She answers questions thoroughly and is always pleasant.

I was able to take what I learned from the course and present the material to our front-line fundraisers. One fundraiser told me after my presentation that she discovered one of her donor’s compensation was much higher than she thought. So, already, this information has come in handy! Thanks again Jen!

Kim Anthony, San Francisco CA

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The Capacity Rating Workshop was really useful. I was new to the prospect research field when I took the workshop, so it helped to demystify capacity ratings for me. The online classroom provided a great forum for interaction with the other participants and for a robust exchange of ideas. Beyond that though, Jen shared a wealth of information and resources about capacity ratings and other important aspects of prospect research. I highly recommend this workshop whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience in our profession.

David Lloyd, Prospect Research Professional, San Francisco, CA

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