If you’ve been in the world of philanthropy and fundraising for any length of time you are bound to hear the phrase “the art and science of fundraising.” With the professionalism of fundraising comes method and best practice – the science – but always there is the art of relationship building with human beings.
In speaking with Jeff Jowdy, prospect research can learn a lot from the art of fundraising. So often we researchers are up to our eyeballs in how to quantify and qualify using data and information that we neglect to nurture our understanding of the human side of fundraising – and how that can inform and improve our approaches.
For example, Jeff talks about how significant wealth seems to amplify a person’s existing orientation to philanthropy and money. This understanding alone can help a researcher find and recognize key information about a donor prospect’s “origin story” that could jump-start the development officer’s outreach and relationship building.
Yes, it’s important for those of us in research to have the technical skills, but without the fundraising understanding, we won’t be nearly as effective or successful in our work. As Jeff mentions, the dialogue between fundraiser and researcher is key to helping both parties leverage their respective talents and learn from each other.
Jeff is a great resource for this journey – for frontline fundraisers and researchers alike!
Resources Mentioned
- Jeff Jowdy | Connect on LinkedIn | Website: lighthousecounsel.com
- Jerold “Jerry” Panas | Books on Amazon | AFP Memorial Post to Panas | Iconic consultant and trainer in the art of fundraising
- Bernard Ross | Website: managementcentre.co.uk | LinkedIn | Books on Amazon | Among other things, know for his scientific focus on the psychology of giving
