Research & Fundraising websites
Prospect Research
The Institute of Fundraising's Special Interest Group is the respresentative body for prospect researchers in the UK. They hold Spring and Autumn conferences which provide invaluable training, advice and support for those carrying out prospect research. Previous topics have included the Data Protection Act, researching the City of London, European Trusts and Foundations, the ethical screening of prospects, researching corporations, international research and prospect management.
The Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement is "the premier international organization for fundraisers who specialize in research and information management." Based in America (it was the American Prospect Research Association before 1994) it offers its members a variety of research resources including a Professional Development Center, an Annotated Bibliography Center, Peer Advisory Guide and Connections, a journal of scholarly articles about prospect research, as well as various symposia and an annual international conference.
Launched in 2007 as fResource, THINKresource is a unique online community for researchers and fundraisers from around the world to come together and share their knowledge about all things research related. Updated daily, it features news, events, resources and jobs. An invaluable aid to prospect researchers and fundraisers.
Brian Dowling's impressive site claims to be aimed primarily at those in higher education, but the section on research resources is relevant to all researchers in the non-profit sector.
Prospect Research Consultancies
Work with clients to identify new sources of funding and prepare effective funding applications. They also carry out market research to help charities develop strategy and demonstrate performance.
Founded in 1990 by Chris Carnie as a research service for nonprofits, it has now evolved into a full-service knowledge, research and information consultancy for nonprofits.
The UK's first fundraising research company to make prospect research available to any charity no matter how large or small, regardless of how much information you require.
Established in 2002 to provide strategic assistance to charitable organizations in the US, UK and Europe. Each of their consultants and affiliates has at least ten years' experience.
Founded by RiF committee member and chair, Robin Jones, they specialise in providing a broad range of fundraising research to the not-for-profit sector.
Work with charities, higher education institutions and the wealth management industry, providing wealth screening, client and donor profiling, new name, company and grants research.
Founded by RiF committee member Finbar Cullen to provide fundraising research services for the not-for-profit sector, providing quality up to date information to help secure the support you need.
As well as providing competitively priced research services to a range of organisations in the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand, Saints has two unique strengths - an overnight delivery service for urgent jobs and expertise in the Asia/Pacific Region.
Founded by RiF committee member Rebecca Funnell to provide high quality fundraising information to the not-for-profit sector to empower fundraisers to maximise their fundraising potential.
Fundraising General
The first web resource dedicated exclusively to providing information and resources for fundraisers.
RaisingFunding contains over 60 articles written by fundraising experts, who continually update and add new content. Subjects include legal advice on fundraising, using fundraising databases and software, fundraising for an individual cause, planning a fundrasing event, and much much more.
Funding Central is a website for the whole voluntary and community sector, including social enterprise, providing access to thousands of funding and finance opportunities, plus a wealth of tools and resources supporting organisations to develop sustainable income strategies appropriate to their needs. FREE
The independent, not-for-profit online guide to charity giving. Contains some 1300 charity profiles online.
IT resource guide compiled and managed by Ivan Wainewright to give non-profit organisations free information on IT products, services and technology appropriate to UK charities and non-profit organisations.