Articles that inspire
Prospect Research Edge
Kickstart Your Career
If you’re just starting in fundraising research and prospect management, our Career Agent Training is the perfect first step. Designed for beginners, this program gives you the foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate the world of prospect research with confidence. With expert-led instruction, real-world examples, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to identify top donor prospects, manage data effectively, and grow your career from day one. Start strong with training that sets you up for success!
Prospect Research Perspectives
Some ideas require more space than a 500-word blog post can provide. Prospect Research Perspectives magazine provides the space to explore new ideas and trends affecting the field of fundraising research. Every fundraising professional - whether a researcher, gift...
Lock the Doors: Here Comes the Consultant
by Rhode Warrior Blogger, Mark Noll Consultants serve a vital function in the world of fundraising. They are seasoned professionals with a wide expanse of knowledge that serve to direct non-profits to the proper course of how best to raise the most funds. From a...
What About Women?
Prospect Development from a Female Perspective This is a story about a female Prospect Researcher tasked with identifying and researching women prospects and donors at a community non-profit. There are trials and tribulations as she discovers that the publicly...
Buyouts, Inversions, and Acquisitions, Oh My!
Creating a Win-Win During a Change in Control by Darren Cooper The sale of a company can increase its shareholders’ wealth and liquidity. However, shareholders may face a big tax bill after the sale. A well-timed gift of stock before the deal closes can reduce this...
Insider Stock & Comp Workbook
Donor Advised Funds: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
by Rhode Warrior Blogger, Mark Noll When someone mentions the brokerage and banking firm, Charles Schwab, it is unlikely that one thinks “philanthropy.” But Charles Schwab, along with Fidelity and Vanguard are now three investment firms whose charitable divisions are...
Introduction to Prospect Profiles Workbook
The Updated Introduction to Prospect Profiles Workbook summarizes the profile search process and search techniques that form the foundation for comprehensive learning on the subject. It’s based on the techniques I have used researching prospects for organizations for...
Search Tips 4Fundraising Research
Learn to perform basic prospect research and find information on your prospects - fast! The Search Tips 16-page booklet walks you through step-by-step with free and low cost sources. Description Maybe you are a director of development, a major gifts officer, or a new...
Why Capacity Ratings are Bunk and What You Can Do About It
by Rhode Warrior Blogger, Mark Noll I was approached once by my then Vice President of Development and asked a simple and forward question: “How confident are you in these numbers?” His question was regarding the Net Worth-to-Capacity-to-Ask Amount, the hop, skip and...
Join a Review Panel!
Have you ever wanted to share your expertise, but maybe aren’t so keen on getting up in front of a group? Or maybe you do like speaking and are seeking another outlet to share your knowledge. Serving on a Review Panel might be just what you’re looking for! Courses...
Where have all the donors gone?
by Rhode Warrior Blogger, Mark Noll Before I began my career in Prospect Research / Advancement Services, a field I’ve been in now for over 17 years, I spent many years working in Employment and Training. As I expanded my current professional scope to include the area...
Prospect Research… In the Twighlight Zone
September 2008 will long be remembered as the time when several major financial institutions collapsed. The subsequent economic impact had a domino effect which resulted in a significant disruption in the flow of credit to businesses and consumers. The end result...
Words from happy Researchers
Success Stories
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
Insider Stock and Compensation
★★★★★
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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