May 29, 2019 | Read Time: 1 minute
Prospect researchers often collect and share dozens of details on donors and potential supporters. Keeping track of that information for lots of donors can be a challenge for fundraisers.
Laura Frye, who leads the development office of Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Boston, developed a simple form that provides a “clear snapshot of information the development office, executive office, or a board member might need about a donor or potential donor.”
Frye generously shared her form with the Chronicle so other fundraisers can download and adapt it. She recommends including the following information, at a minimum:
- A donor’s history with your organization, including a brief list of gift amounts and dates
- The next potential interaction with your organization
- Basic biographical data, including age, family members, and professional information
- Gifts made to other nonprofits
- Possible connections the donor has to others in your organization’s orbit
Download Frye’s prospect-research “cheat sheet” to create a user-friendly overview for each of your big donors.
