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Printable Guides: Prospect Research 101 (pdf) | Prospect Profile Template (doc) |
The research profile is an efficient way of compiling the information you uncover about your prospect. It allows your readers to get a quick understanding of who this person is and begin to think about an appropriate strategy. The profile also allows the researcher to stay organized and focused while sorting through what can be mountains of information.
Profiles will need to be tailored to meet your organization’s needs. Remember that a research profile is a moving target and is never fully complete. Research that was completed three years ago will need to be updated based on ever-changing information about your prospect.
Profiles should only contain that information which is relevant to your organization’s fundraising goals and should not contain personal or confidential information that could be potentially embarrassing to your prospects or donors. Do not include hearsay information or gossip in a cultivation profile which can not be backed-up by your research. You may want to consider what financial information you include in profiles that will be viewed by your volunteers and board members. Below is an example of an individual research profile.