APRA Canada: Past Professional Development Sessions

Beyond the biography: How researchers can advance prospect strategy

Session Description
When assigned to research an individual, company or foundation, a researcher studies the prospect, and in doing so becomes intimately familiar with a wide variety of facts and figures, and, ultimately, gets to know the prospect "on paper". What should a researcher do with all this information? How should you interpret, analyze and translate all this information back to your fundraising colleagues so that they can activate the relationship in the most strategic fashion? This virtual seminar will focus on how prospect researchers can expand their research services beyond the traditional biographical profile. As we know, research is most often the first step in the prospect cultivation process and should be the last step before solicitation. Prospect research should always include strategic analysis and a recommendation of where you feel a prospect will best align with your organization's case for support. This session will provide an overview of the strategic analysis that should come into play when researching a prospect and help you provide your organization's front-line fundraisers with the strategic recommendations and intelligence they need to move prospects through the pipeline.

The level of this session is basic to intermediate.

Speaker Biographies
David K. Bell
David Bell is a seasoned fundraiser, researcher, and lawyer. He holds an honours history degree from Nipissing University and received his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor. Currently working with the Royal Ontario Museum Governors, David is a key member of the senior fundraising team responsible for the Museum's transformational Renaissance ROM $300 million dollar capital campaign. At the ROM, David oversees the Research and Prospect Management Programs and also maintains a portfolio of major gift prospects. In the past, David has also served as a Development Officer and Fundraising Specialist at two Ontario universities.

David has volunteered with numerous charities and organizations. He most recently completed a seven-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Toronto-based charity, The Student Life Education Company. Currently, David is a volunteer with the Canadian Institute of Environmental Law and Policy, in Toronto.

David is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (International and Canada).