Data Mining/Prospect Identification
203 Data Mining for Dynamic Donors
David Robertson, Director of Operations Research, Syracuse University
Thursday, August 21
8:30am – 10:00am
The session will explore the basics of data mining. Speakers will look at sample databases and examine the tools available on the desktop to extract the stories hidden within the data. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of the basic concepts of data mining and data modeling. Data mining tools such as data filters, pivot tables, formulas for database enhancement and descriptive statistics will be demonstrated.
213 Identifying Loyal Donors
Speaker TBD
Thursday, August 21
10:30am – 12:00pm
Every organization has a unique group of individuals who are loyal and demonstrate this loyalty by consistent giving. In this session, you will learn: how to identify your loyal donors, why loyals are significant to your program and how to develop a planned gift strategy for these often overlooked treasures.
223 Making Hedge Funds “HIP”
Amber Countis, Manager, Prospect Research, Tufts University
Samantha Harris, Prospect Researcher, Tufts University
Thursday, August 21
2:30pm – 4:00pm
Tufts University created “HIP” to code and rate alumni who work in the hedge fund, investment banking, private equity, and other related industries. Speakers will discuss how they completed this project, from idea conceptualization and buy-in by leadership to collaboration and ongoing communication with other departments. This is not a training session to better understand asset management professions. This is a “how to” on understanding a complex pool of prospects, and applying similar strategies of prospecting in your own shop.
303 Understanding Influence: Driving Prospect Identification Through Networks
Myra Norton, CEO, Community Analytics
Friday, August 22
8:30am – 10:00am
Learn how uncovering the true alumni leaders and their social networks can help institutions reach development and alumni engagement goals. Classify the natural leaders — as recognized by their peers — and leverage this knowledge to reach more donors, recruit the right leadership and improve overall alumni involvement and support. Maps that illustrate the alumni connection can guide researchers in better understanding who influences whom when it comes to making decisions about giving and volunteering time and resources. Discover the next generation of alumni who will play the essential roles of supporters and advocates by analyzing their social networks.
313 The Frugal Researcher: Prospect Identification on a Limited Budget
David Sterling, Director of Advancement Operations, Western New England College
Friday, August 22
2:30pm – 4:00pm
During the past 20 years, the nature and availability of sources for advancement research have changed dramatically. The tremendous expansion of sources usable for research — some tailored explicitly for advancement research — is a great boon for researchers. However, many of these resources come with significant pricetags that often are too much for many organizations. This session will look at how to do successful research, especially prospect identification, on a limited budget. The speaker will explore various budget-decision options to achieve the best results for your organization.
403 Slicing and Dicing in the Research Kitchen: Recipes for Prospect Identification
Patricia Quigley, Senior Research Assistant, University of Rochester
Amy Westgard, Director of Development Research, Indiana State University Foundation
Saturday, August 23
8:30am – 10:00am
Is your organization new to the idea of identifying major gift prospects? Are you overwhelmed with lists and information and don’t know where to start? Join this discussion about wealth indicators to look for in your existing database and outside resources. Speakers will explore the effective use of alerts and searching for high-wealth prospects in specialized industries, and partnering with development officers and your alumni relations department. Finally, learn about the development of one organization’s prospect identification system from the ground up.
413 First Year Parents: Uncovering the Wealth
Nicole Trickler, Associate Director of Advancement Services, Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Saturday, August 23
10:30am – 12:00pm
The value of parents is often an untapped asset of your institution. The window of parent giving and participation is often limited to four short years; therefore, it is imperative to get them involved before their child even arrives on campus. This session will help you build and manage a research program specifically designed to identify the prominent parents of your institution’s incoming first-year class. Get tips on working with your admissions office in establishing a timeline for the transfer of data, especially information about valuable legacy connections. Obtain guidance on developing an effective and comprehensive report about your newest prospects — the parents.
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