If you want to convince your organisation to invest in prospect research to identify new donors and boost your fundraising efforts, it’s important to have a well-crafted and convincing case. In this article, we’ll share five tips for making a compelling argument for using prospect research.
Believe in it
Before you can convince others of the benefits of prospect research, it’s important to truly believe in its potential. Take some time to research the success stories of other charities that have used prospect research and learn about the different ways that it can be implemented. This will help you develop a strong belief in the value of prospect research, which will be evident in your communication with others.
Gather your evidence
One of the most important aspects of making a case for prospect research is having concrete evidence to back up your claims. This can include case studies, statistics, and other data that demonstrates the potential benefits of prospect research. This is an opportunity for you to explore any risks involved with undertaking prospect research and what you can do to mitigate them, as well as what risk not doing the prospect research will pose on your organisation’s fundraising efforts.
Champions
Identify key stakeholders in your organisation who can act as champions for prospect research. Who do you want on your side to enable you to get to where you want to be? This could include members of senior leadership, fundraising staff or other individuals who have a strong interest in the success of your organisation’s fundraising efforts. By building a network of champions, you can increase the visibility and credibility of your argument, and ensure that it is heard by decision-makers across your organisation.
The outside view
It’s always valuable to seek an outside perspective when making a case for a new strategy or initiative. Consider bringing in an expert on prospect research, or reaching out to other charities who have successfully implemented prospect research in their fundraising efforts. Make use of the existing research and fundraising network on social media, where people are always happy to share their experiences and views. These external voices can help add credibility to your argument and provide additional evidence to support your case.
Celebrate success
Once your organisation has invested in prospect research and begun to see positive results, it’s important to celebrate these successes and share them with others in your organisation. This can include sharing data on increased donations, highlighting successful fundraising campaigns and showcasing the impact that prospect research has had on your organisation’s overall fundraising strategy. Celebrating these successes and documenting your processes can help build momentum for future fundraising efforts and ensure that prospect research continues to be a priority within your organisation.
Struggling to get your project over the line?
Join Kerry Rock for our webinar on pursuing sensitive projects – getting prospect research over the line. This free webinar will explore developing the case for good, robust and compliant prospect research and how you can dispel any doubts your organisation might have about the process.
There will be plenty of time for questions and to explore your own challenging projects.