The Paul Lagasse article More Than Data (Advancing Philanthropy Jan/Feb 2011) was a particularly informative read for anyone involved in, or thinking of becoming involved in a Not For Profit organization, especially when considering how to seek constituents and build a donor base. Lagasse does a good job of promoting nearly and recent grads from a couple of areas for this work. It should give these folks a comfortable feeling that they are often recruited right out of their programs to work in NFP`s , for data and information gathering that ultimately results in social betterment by appropriately linking donors and charities. It was important for the writer to also pay credence to the other important pieces of being a Prospect Researcher; the human side. It is every bit as important for researchers to consider how and by who their information will be used. As he states, it is not a good idea for a fundraiser to have too much information available when first meeting a potential donor. This can ``get the relationship off on the wrong foot``. Having researchers involved or at least at the table in the more sensitive planning of relationship development , as well as the data searching , will enhance the experience for everyone. The importance of working as part of the same team, and reporting to the same body will create opportunities to accentuate the strengths and resolve any weaknesses along the way. In this, there are better opportunities for successful engagement with donors, and a recognition that NFP`s need to build long term relationships with donors.
Read other articles by Paul Lagasse at www.avwrites.com
Also interesting in the article is the condsideration of Canadian vs US privacy rules. I appreciate the example of `the golden rule`principle. As a student with an interest in charity work and a donor, it was heartening to hear `do unto others...`applying to the collection and distribution of my private information.
