Research - Services

Prospect Identification

Includes monitoring and analyzing demographic information, business trends and forecasts, executive movement and corporate financial statistics in order to identify, segment and evaluate prospective serious donors. The goal of this process is to maximize fundraising initiatives at McMaster University. Prospect Identification can be conducted on three levels: project based, development driven and as an independent initiative by Research.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Biographical, Corporate and Financial Research

Includes the collection of relevant information, such as corporate and individual wealth indicators, giving capacity, connections and interests with the purpose of matching these interests to institutional needs and programs. Five levels of research are available to provide development personnel with the information required to place a prospective donor into a specific gift range category. This type of reserach can assist all members of Advancement who require information for the purposes of volunteer identification, material for articles and speaking notes as well as information on specific programs.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Prospect Clearance

Prospect clearance is a formalized group activity conducted bi-weekly to ensure that the assignment of prospects for University and Faculty approved fund raising initiatives is conducted in an equitable, mutually agreeable and organized fashion.

Prospect Management

Prospect management is the method by which the solicitation and cultivation process of all individual and organizational prospects cleared for University and Faculty approved fundraising activities of McMaster University is co-ordinated.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Online Database Research

Involves the searching of many major periodical indexes and abstracts and full text files (national and international newspapers, trade journals, directories, etc.) This activity is usually conducted in concert with the profile creation process but can be conducted on an ad hoc basis to located specific articles or informatioin. In addition to reactive searching through databases, research also conducts a current awareness program to monitor and further qualify new prospects.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Collection Development

Involves the evaluation, selection and management of books, directories, periodicals, CD-ROM's, electronic databases, trade publications and other resource materials to ensure the continued integrity and relevance of University Advancement reference materials.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Centralized File Management/Electronic Document Management

Involves the transfer and management of hard/paper files to an electronic image. The purpose of this system is to ensure that all relevant information related to database entities is current and accurate. The electronic format of this material provides optimal access capabilities to users located throughout Advancement.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Database Management

Includes monitoring, updating, accurately coding and managing information regarding prospects. Data frequently updated includes but is not limited to executive movement and financial information, position level, assets, revenue, net profit and interests for all individual, corporate and foundation prospects to ensure the continued quality, consistency and integrity of database records.

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Training Opportunities

The Research Office offers a wide variety of training opportunities to provide University Advancement staff with the opportunity to improve or upgrade their skills, with respect to services offered by advancement research. Currently the following sessions are available to Advancement Staff:

  • Advancement Research Overview
  • Prospect Tracking/Management
  • Using the Research Intranet to conduct
  • Biographical, Corporate and Foundation Research
  • Electronic Document Storage and Retrieval

Staff Contact: Stephanie Hilson , Kim Wachta , Jeff Wahn

Related Topics

  • There are several external organizatons that provide valuable information as well as professional development opportunities for those interested in Prospect Research:
  • Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA Canada)
  • Mailing Lists:
  • CANADA PROSPECT L
    Provides a forum for the discussion of prospect research issues from a Canadian perspective
  • PROSPECT L
    Electronic mail list provided as a forum for discussion of prospect research issues from an international perspective