Hello, I am a database person who is moving into prospect research, well more donor research than prospect. We have the Blackbaud Researcher's Edge and have had our database analyzed but now we are working towards using the information, along with other information we know, to pull a good group of prospects - analyze them. For some we are creating profiles that are easy to read for major gift officers and board members. As I mentioned originally, I am not a prospect researcher but I am working toward that. I was hoping that someone out there could help me with some suggestions of training for the newly created researchers. Training to help with the best way to organize all of this information, creating profiles that are easy to read and are customized to a major gift officer way of thinking, how to read the information and pull together the most important and how to know how far to dig into a particular area for the donor. I welcome your suggestions and expertise!

My situation is similar to yours Ginelle. I can tell you this - if you have had your data analyzed by Blackbaud Analytics you should also have access to support. Don't hesitate to call them for guidance. Our contract with them included the support component so I would expect yours did too. They can help with selecting prospects, give you guidance on what the BBA scores mean and help you navigate Researcher's Edge. I've found the profile template in Researcher's Edge to be useful, it displays the most relevant information for the solicitors. Ask your development officers what information they would like to see and design your profile in Raiser's Edge accordingly. There are also several internet organizations out there dedicated to prospect research, David Lamb has one, Charity Channel is another where you can get tips. Hope this helps. Judy Brockmeyer Database Administrator Jewish Home & Senior Living Foundation 302 Silver Ave. San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 406-1571 [Email Removed] [i]--- Edited at 3/30/2007 1:51:49 PM by Judy Brockmeyer[/i]

Ginelle, go to www.aprahome.org. They offer a variety of educational opportunities that are very targeted. Francie Guiles Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation 960 Canterbury Place, Suite 110 Escondido, CA 92026 (760) 739-2798 [Email Removed]

Prospect Research is actually a bit of a misnomer. These days, prospect research encompasses so much more than just prospecting! The method of researching a prospect is much the same as researching a current donor. And the methodology is too extensive to fit in this little post! I would recommend that you pick up the book "Prospect Research: A primer for growing non-profits" by Cecilia Hogan. She has really great information to get you started, from “research math” to strategies for post data screening. The appendix contains many sample forms and reports too. I would also recommend that you look into joining the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA). Their annual conference (coming up in July in Chicago) is priceless for the wealth of knowledge that you will gain, as well as the professional contacts that you can make. Check too to see if there is a local chapter. The national website is http://www.aprahome.org/  Finally, there is a list serve called PRSPCT-L where researchers and development professionals share their ideas and tips. There is a searchable archive as well. To subscribe, email: [Email Removed] I have a Word document with a number of websites that can help you out. Email me if you would like a copy! Good luck! Sharla Donohue Development Research Minnesota Historical Society (651) 259-3127 [Email Removed] www.mnhs.org