Prospect Research for Major Gifts - Four things you need to do before you start
July 2019
You’ve weighed up the many pros and decided to undertake some prospect research to boost your charity’s fundraising. Good call, but before you get started here are four things your organisation must do.
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Undertake a data protection impact assessment
Are you familiar with the existing data protection laws? Have you analysed how your research can be lawfully conducted? Conducting a Data Protection Impact Assessment makes sure you put your supporters rights at the heart of your research processes. Being able to clearly communicate to your supporters how you use their data, the legal basis for doing it and all you do to keep it safe is a valuable outcome of your privacy impact assessment. Even if you have already done one, do you need to review it? Have you changed the way you use personal data? Are you doing any new types of research?
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Get your legitimate interest assessment in order
Most organisations rely on legitimate interest for their prospect research. Undertake a legitimate interest assessment and document legitimate interest where it can be relied upon for specific activities. Being able to demonstrate your legitimate interest is essential. You need to be able to show that you have defined your interests and balanced these against the rights of the individuals whose data you are processing. Are you processing a subject’s data in a way they would expect you to process it? It’s essential to have a process in place for illustrating how you made this decision. And of course, if you do rely on consent rather than legitimate interest, make sure this is clearly documented too.
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Make your fair processing information available
Make your fair processing information accessible to your supporters via your privacy notice. Keeping your supporters informed of how their information is being used is key to adhering to data protection regulations. Charities and all organisations are required to clearly communicate the ways they use data. So if you don’t already have one or if you have one but haven’t reviewed it for 12 months, it’s time to get this ready or updated.
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Let your supporters know you’ve made changes to your privacy notice
It’s been over 12 months since GDPR came into force. Are you still using data in the same way that you did 12 months ago? Do you need to update your privacy notice to bring it in line with current activities? Make your supporters aware of any changes you’ve made to your privacy notice, this will help to reassure them their data is safe in your hands. Your supporters are already strong advocates for your cause and keeping their privacy at the heart of what you do will help you comply with data protection guidelines.
Our experienced research team can undertake research to find you new prospects, or provide you with in-depth information on your current prospects. We draw on information gathered over the last 20+ years, stored in the Wealth Intelligence Database, as well as a range of other sources. To find out how we can boost your organisation’s fundraising, get in touch with at info@prospectingforgold.co.uk.
