Prospect Research Profiles: Development Research Systems

Prospect Research Profiles

Development Research Systems specializes in in-depth prospect research profiles containing a narrative discussion of each prospect, his company, and his foundations. A typical profile created by Elaine Lotto may have the following information:

Biographical Information. Details from Who’s Who books, newspaper and magazine articles, business directories, and the Internet are sought.
Company Information. Profiles include a brief discussion of the prospect’s employer, sometimes including financial information. Dun & Bradstreet credit reports on privately held companies are sometimes obtained, and private companies are analyzed.
Financial Information. Salary estimates and stock holdings of selected executives are researched.
Philanthropy. Several databases are checked to determine a donor’s gifts to other organizations. DRS also maintains an excellent collection of annual reports from colleges around the country, dating from the 1980s to the present.
Foundation Affiliations. Through its long-time association with the Foundation Center, DRS has access to the most thorough and up-to-date foundation information in the country.
Real Estate. The value of homes and other property is available on the Internet and through assessor’s offices.
Giving Potential. Based on the above criteria and standard fund-raising formulas, the giving potential of each prospect is estimated.

Contact Elaine Lotto today to explore how she can help you
with your donor research or training needs.

“I have worked with Elaine for several years. Recently, I asked her to provide detailed information on a new parent at the school. We knew nothing other than the information his son had provided on his application. The research provided by Elaine Lotto eventually led to a $10,000 annual fund gift and a $300,000 campaign pledge.”

—Vice President for Advancement; independent school, Connecticut

“The work you did on [the prospect] was more helpful than I'll ever be able to tell you! One of those perfect-fit pieces that helped immensely. Thanks for a timely, useful tool.”

—Major Gifts and Research Director, independent school, Rhode Island

“The information you provided has helped us a great deal in presenting our case. We are much more confident in our solicitation meetings. It always pays to do your homework!”

—Director of Development, private Catholic high school, upstate New York

“Thank you for your very prompt response to our more recent request for research data. The reports were very well done and confirmed once again that you are an outstanding research professional.”

—Director of Development, independent school, Florida

“Thank you for the excellent profiles you have done for [the institution] so far. We are getting back in the campaign mode, and I am certain we will be sending you more names in the near future.”

—Vice President for Development, independent school, Illinois