Philanthropic Research for charities and schools
Why use prospect research?
To build relationships.
Prospect research helps charities, not-for-profits and schools build long term relationships with donors, alumni and supporters.
To be more efficient.
Prospect research uses data and other evidence-based insights to develop fundraising strategies that are more likely to succeed - saving time and money.
To be more effective.
Research has shown that a properly briefed fundraiser feels more confident when approaching a prospect, leading to a more satisfying relationship for both parties*.
*The role of prospect research in major donor fundraising, Nicola Williams, April 2019
Like pebbles on a beach, all donors can look similar on the surface.
Your next major gift could come from a donor hiding in plain sight.
Prospect research can guide you to look a bit closer and identify those donors who are not only highly committed to your cause but also have the means and connections to make a long-lasting, and in some cases transformational, change to your cause.
Benefits for you:
Long-term relationships with donors provide a sustainable base for your organisation.
Highly committed individuals and companies will often become strong advocates for your cause.
Services.
Data management.
Data systems advice and set up. Data mining and prospect identification from your database.
Prospect identification.
Preparing detailed research profiles to determine your best prospects and their area of greatest interest.
Strategic planning.
Development of strategies to approach and manage donors, through the moves process, towards a gift.
Training delivery.
Bespoke training to up-skill your team.
Testimonials.
“It’s a pleasure to recommend and support the work of Nicki Sayers. Nicki has presented and held workshops on multiple occasions for Educate Plus members. She is extremely knowledgeable in prospect research and is generous with her knowledge and experience. Our members have repeatedly asked to have Nicki present because she understands alumni relations and fundraising, and is able to demonstrate the importance of research and how we can bring more of that to our work. Nicki not only teaches how to conduct prospect research but she also presents audiences with ethical and philosophical considerations. Nicki always prepares well and delivers a professional presentation.
Thank you Nicki for supporting our profession.”
Naomi Wilde
Immediate Past President Educate Plus NZ Chapter
“Whilst working at the Himalayan Trust I engaged Nicki to undertake research into potential High Value Donors. Nicki provided thorough and detailed profiles within budget and the timeframes requested. She helped to identify the supporters with the most potential and interest to increase their giving and was a pleasure to work with.”
Kathy McKay
Sweet Louise, National Fundraising Manager
“Nicki Sayers is a well-respected and professional fundraiser with acute research skills and ability. Nicki has supported Forest & Bird with a number of projects including analysing and gauging data, identifying and creating profiles of some of our key donors and training of fundraising staff in research methodology.”
Jo Prestwood
Relationships Manager
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
About Nicki Sayers:
Nicki has twenty years of experience as a fundraiser and researcher and is one of a handful of dedicated prospect researchers in New Zealand. Nicki works with charities and schools on a freelance basis offering assistance with all aspects of prospect research and management — from discovery through to pitching the ask. Currently the manager of the Donor and Prospect Research team at Victoria University of Wellington, Nicki is regularly asked to share her specialist knowledge and has presented webinars and conferences for FINZ and Educate Plus.