Prior Workshops & Events

Prior Topics & Engagements

Check out our posts below to read detailed descriptions of past workshops, conferences, presentations, and events.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like additional information regarding a particular topic.

Workshops & Events 2016

Guest Speaker
Development Staff Retreat

RWJ Barnabas Health
Galloping Hill Golf Course, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
Friday, November 18, 2016

Show Me The Money: An Overview of Resources to Identify & Profile Prospects

Do you need more information about the giving capacity or philanthropic profile of a prospect you are going to see? Do you wonder which prospects from your various lists you should prioritize for a major gift? Do you wish you knew how to keep up with the latest news about your top prospects? Would you like contact information for more people in your area to invite to a golf outing or charity event? If so, this session is for you. During the workshop, we will access real websites and databases to find out information about actual prospects.

You will learn to:

  • How prospect research can maximize your time and help you develop your ask

  • Beyond Google: which research tools and databases to use for the info you need

  • Tips for accuracy

  • What you can’t find out

  • How to protect donor privacy


Presenter
Research in the 21st Century: New Technologies, New Challenges M.S. in Fundraising and Grantmaking 
New York University School of Professional Studies
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York, NY
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
6:45 – 8:45pm

Guest speaker in graduate course on fundraising technology.


Adjunct Assistant Professor
Introduction to Prospect Research
New York University School of Professional Studies
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York, NY
Wednesdays, November 2 to November 30, 2016
6:30 – 8:30pm

This course teaches students the practical research skills needed for fundraising. It introduces students to assorted research tools, websites, and databases and teaches them to develop targeted research strategies. Within an ethical context, they learn how to obtain information on donors and other funding sources. The course also covers how to summarize research findings and create cultivation and solicitation plans. During this course you will learn how to evaluate a prospect's ability and inclination to give and the basics of data mining, database screening and moves management. Basic understanding of fundraising concepts and practice, skills in internet research, MS Word, and an excellent command of written English required.


Presenter
Prospect Research Night
Advanced Diploma in Fundraising Practices

New York University School of Professional Studies George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York, NY
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
6:00 – 8:30pm

The Advanced Diploma in Fundraising Practices will provide current fundraisers and those interested in entering the fundraising field a prescriptive program to expand their knowledge of the nonprofit sector and charitable giving. Those interested in a career change may consider working in the nonprofit sector, with an increased understanding of fundraising’s important role in financing charitable organizations.


Nonprofit Management Program Faculty
Research in Fundraising
Columbia University School of Professional Studies
New York, NY
Thursdays, September 8 to November 3, 2016
6:10pm – 9:00pm

This course teaches students the practical skills needed to develop and utilize research for fundraising efforts. It introduces students to assorted research tools and teaches them to develop targeted research strategies. Within an ethical context, they learn how to obtain information on donors and other funding sources. The course also covers how to summarize research findings and how to use research for enhanced written communications.


 

Research Track Co-Chair
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fundraising Day New York Conference
The Marriott Marquis, New York, NY
Friday, June 17, 2016
8:45am – 5:00pm

Fundraising Day New York is the premier East Coast conference on philanthropy. This one-day event takes over the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, NYC, bringing together the best and brightest nonprofit professionals from around the world to share their thoughts and advice.

Research Track

Parent Research and Fundraising at Educational Organizations

This presentation will provide an overview of how the researcher can successfully direct and shepherd the process of parent identification, research and fundraising at educational institutions from start to finish. Topic areas include interfacing with the Admissions and Financial Aid offices, database segmenting and screening, providing tips on obtaining and conducting the visit, unique characteristics of parents as a fundraising constituency, suggesting potential solicitation amounts, and how to approach parents after the first year.

You will learn to:

  • Conduct parent identification, research, and fundraising using pragmatic techniques

  • Consider the unique characteristics of parents as a fundraising constituency

  • Help train front-line gift officers in how to best navigate parent visits

Speakers:Thomas C. Hampsey, Senior Director of Development Research, Lafayette College; Rebecca H. Heslin, Associate Director of Development Research, Lafayette College

Feeding the Major Gift Pipeline: a framework for effective prospect development

This session presents an effective framework for evaluating prospects using four dynamic measurements. Learn how to effectively feed the major gift pipeline and focus your entire fundraising team around prospect development and major gifts fundraising

You will learn to:

  • Efficiently and effectively analyze prospects and rate their giving potential.

  • • Identify the best sources to find prospects and feel ready to begin prospecting at your organizations.

  • Embrace the critical and highly strategic role researchers play in fundraising.

Speakers: Joseph Gonzales, Advancement Services, St. Olaf College, Alumni Hall; Matthew Perrin, Manager, Prospect Research, Natural Resources Defense Council

Industry Corner: Identifying and Cultivating Prospects from the Law, Pharmaceuticals, and Startup Industries

Prospect researchers should not only be experts on individual donors, but also on the industries where current and future wealth is generated. This presentation provides concise (but meaty) overviews of the Law, Pharmaceuticals, and Startup Industries, including industry outlook/analysis, tips for predicting wealth events, and explanations of select job titles and organizational hierarchies. It also outlines common personality traits of professionals from each field, and how these traits influence their attitudes toward philanthropy.

You will learn:

  • The current state of the law, pharmaceuticals, and startup industries, what is on the horizon for each and how it will affect the prospects within them.

  • Best practices for identifying, researching, rating, and qualifying prospects in these industries.

  • • How your Prospect Research department can partner with your frontline team to provide industry-related expertise and strategic recommendations.

Speakers: Melissa Carpenter, Senior Analyst, Prospect Research, The University of Chicago; Namrata Padhi, Senior Analyst, Prospect Research, The University of Chicago; Lindsey Royer, Senior Analyst, Prospect Research, The University of Chicago

The Strategic Researcher - Positioned to Make a Difference

Advancement researchers are usually well-placed - some uniquely positioned - to significantly impact the strategic direction of fundraising efforts at their organizations. This session for fundraisers at all levels of experience explores ways that advancement researchers can impact the strategic direction of their organization’s development efforts.

You will learn to:

  • Think critically about the ‘big picture’ for your fundraising operation.

  • How to be the “Chief Strategic Officer” for your development operation.

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of being at the decision table.

Speaker: David M. Sterling, Director of Advancement Operations, Western New England University


Adjunct Assistant Professor
Prospect Research

New York University School of Professional Studies
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York, NY
Thursdays, January 25 to February 25, 2016
3:30 – 5:10pm
5 Sessions

This Master’s level course teaches students the practical research skills needed for fundraising. It introduces students to assorted research tools, websites, and databases and teaches them to develop targeted research strategies. Within an ethical context, they learn how to obtain information on donors and other funding sources. The course also covers how to summarize research findings and create cultivation and solicitation plans. During this course you will learn how to evaluate a prospect’s ability and inclination to give and the basics of data mining, database screening and moves management. Basic understanding of fundraising concepts and practice, skills in internet research, MS Word, and an excellent command of written English required.

 
Calvin Butts and Maurice jenkins and PP.jpg
Poonam Prasad