In the latest article for Connections, Stephanie Willis explores the complex legal and ethical landscape of buying, selling and renting donor data. Featuring insights from Mary Doorley Simboski and Sarah Marcotte, the piece highlights how list-sharing practices impact donor trust, compares U.S. and Canadian regulations and offers practical alternatives for growing an organization's donor base safely.
In the latest issue of Connections, Erin Olson explores the profound impact of inclusive and equitable language within prospect research and development. The article provides actionable guides for shifting away from gendered, sexist, ableist or historically harmful terms toward language rooted in kindness and respect. By intentionally choosing inclusive alternatives, nonprofit professionals can foster a deeper sense of belonging for colleagues, donors and constituents.
Prospect researchers often face intense pressure 60 days before the end of the year. While the default instinct is to acquire new donors, this approach is often inefficient and costly. Instead, organizations should shift to an upgrade mindset by mining their current database for "Loyal Lowballers" and "Lapsed Giants". By identifying the intersection of behavioral, capacity, and affinity signals, researchers can deliver a high-impact shortlist of 25 to 50 donors who already possess established trust.