This basic to intermediate course is for fundraisers as well as researchers. It offers fundraisers an insight into the realm of research from the fundamentals through to searching for information on the Internet. For those of you new to research or working with limited resources, this course offers you an opportunity to learn or refresh the fundamentals from the perspective of a fundraiser as well as a researcher. Begin to explore the vast opportunities the Internet has to offer you.

Finding out who your donors and potential prospects are revolves around intensive strategic planning and the execution of those plans. More than ever, it is important that we do our homework and ensure our information is both up to date and as comprehensive as possible all of which can often be a daunting task. This is particularly so when you have tight budgets, numerous deadlines limited resources and never enough time. The key to all of our success will rely heavily on at least some form of prospect research. This can be through the use of relational databases or lists on word processors, directories, books, media, various other information sources, and specialized profiles and briefings. The most exciting and yet daunting source of information is the Internet.

Many of us realize that it is our lead contacts plus the prospects' propensity to support our charity's work that will play a major part in whether it will end up in a fruitful partnership. It is also important that a detailed approach strategy, based upon extensive research, is prepared for each prospect.

1. Are you using research to find new supporters?
   
2. Are you the only one doing research or do you wear many hats and have other responsibilities other than research to fulfill such as fundraising?
   
3. Are you researching your known donors to develop their support to a higher and/or longer-term level?
   
4. Do you have the agreement of your management and board members that by researching the details of your known donors and potential supporters will greatly increase the probabilities of success?
   
5. Do you currently struggle to find, develop, and update your records of information from the many sources available?
   
6. Are you using your database to capture prospect research information? Or do you keep it in a separate format such as word processing?
   
7. Does the restraints on your resources, time, and money limit your ability to set up and maintain core details?
   
8. Do you want to use the vast resource of the Internet to support and/or "take short cuts" for your research?

If anyone answers yes to any or all of the above then you either have a research program in place or are trying to develop one. Find out about the fundamentals of research, review the basics, explore new methods and look at how to use the Internet to assist you with your prospect research. Ensure you increase your opportunities to achieve fundraising success stories.

For more details, check the course syllabus