ARTICLE: Why Most Institutions Don't Use Prospect Researchers Effectively

Yes, I'm still here!  Sorry, but there just hasn't been a lot to post lately.  I've helped with a few classes, so that information has appeared in my recent posts.  However, it's been awhile since there's been some good insight into the field of Prospect Research.  Our good friend, Armando Zumaya, has come through once again with an article I highly recommend reading!

Disconnect: Why Most Institutions Don't Use Prospect Researchers Effectively

Fortunately, I work at an institution which makes values prospect research and the role it plays in fundraising and helping to keep our operation running smoothly (think database updates and reporting).  I've also been fortunate enough to hire a talented addition to assist with Prospect Research.

Finally, last but certainly not least, Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Blog post - Will Profiles Ever Be Obsolete?

Our research colleague, Dean Dietrich, recently posted this on PRSPCT-L and gave me permission to link it here.  The obsolescence of the profile has been a hot topic for several years now.

https://dfdietrich.wordpress.com/2015/07/23/will-profiles-ever-be-obsolete/

I totally agree with Dean as I'm doing fewer profiles than ever before.  I would also add that instead of the full multi-page profiles I used to do, almost all of the profiles I create these days fit on one page.  Finally, I'm doing a lot more briefings than profiles - a paragraph or two on a donor or prospect instead of a full page.  This format is also much more feasible for pulling directly from a database as Dean suggests may be the trend of the future.

While the profile may not be obsolete yet, it's safe to say that it has definitely evolved!

Another chance to help other prospect researchers in memory of an esteemed colleague

I received an e-mail from our colleague, Valerie Anastasio, this morning.  APRA MO-KAN members may recall that Valerie was the keynote speaker at our 2010 annual conference.  She currently works as Director of Prospect Development for Boston Children's Hospital Trust and is active in our fellow APRA chapter, NEDRA.

NEDRA has established a scholarship in memory of Heather Reisz, an esteemed colleague and mentor, who passed away in May 2013 at the age of 42.  There's another APRA MO-KAN connection as Heather was one of the favorite presenters at our annual conference in 2011.

My original blog post about Heather can be found here.

Valerie wrote that Heather's family has agreed to match all donations (up to $5,000) made by March 31st.  This scholarship will enable as many as 20 NEDRA members to attend their annual conference at no charge for the next decade.

Below is the text of Valerie's letter.  I'm making another gift and hope you will, too!

I’m writing to ask you to join me in participating in a special match to raise an additional $10,000 for The Heather Reisz Memorial Scholarship.

The Reisz family will match dollar-for-dollar (up to $5,000) every donation made before March 31, 2015.

Reaching the goal will mean that as many as 20 young researchers can attend the annual NEDRA conference for free for the next decade (and maybe even longer)!  Each one will be welcomed by the NEDRA community, and Heather’s indomitable, irrepressible, irreplaceable spirit will shine through those of us who are committed to championing each up-and-coming researcher in her honor and memory.

So join me in making it possible to spread Heather’s love again and again and again… (repeat at least for the next ten years).

Thank you for your consideration.

Valerie

Member, NEDRA Heather Reisz Memorial Scholarship Committee

For more about Heather's life, visit NEDRA's Memorial Page.
To donate online, visit the Heather Reisz Memorial Scholarship Donation Page.

To send a check, mail to:
Heather Reisz Memorial Scholarship
c/o NEDRA
411 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 331B
Waltham, MA 02452