By Melody Song, Senior Development Officer, Research & Campaign, Calgary Zoo
I have to say that whilst Andrew Boden’s piece on unusual and even ludicrous requests (featured in the last issue of Scoop) was funny, it highlights a sentiment within the research community towards frontline fundraisers – that is, “clueless them, poor us”. Let’s admit it, it’s there.
Not too long ago, I joined in a conversation string on PRSPCT-L - a discussion group for those working in the non-profit and fundraising, especially those in research, data mining, analytics and relationship management - on the subject “The Future of Prospect Research”. The discussion started as a response to an article which talked about technology replacing paperwork (which could be one of the challenges facing our profession as prospect researchers). A few people, including myself, had suggested that researchers should learn about or even experience frontline fundraising and become more interdisciplinary. This suggestion was met with mixed responses. Some of the comments included:
- Researchers shouldn’t try to have frontline experience because we don’t have the skills set and the personality
- Researchers are also fundraisers - we are the first fundraisers;
- Prospect researchers are critical to team success but are often under-valued and under-recognized;
- We should call ourselves analysts instead of researchers;
- Divisions exists physically and economically between the role of the researcher and the role of the fundraise, largely a result of management or simply “the way of the world”;
Two pathways emerged from the discussion: 1) Prospect researchers should become service professionals (like lawyers and accounts) and internal consultants; and 2) Prospect researchers should be more integrated with the fundraising team and be the driver of the fundraising process.
Collaboration – It Goes Both Ways
Either way, collaboration with frontline fundraisers is key. I personally believe that a more integrated and a less siloed approach is the way to go. After all, our success hinges on the success of the frontline fundraiser.
I also believe that frontline fundraisers will do better if they have research experience or work closer with prospect researchers. What matters in the end, is the securing the gift. So why not break out the silo and learn more about frontline fundraising and how we can better inform them through the fundraising process.
And to end, my question to you is, “What do you think of the future of prospect research and how would you promote more collaboration?”