The Research in Fundraising group are a committee of professional prospect researchers representing charities, educational institutions and consultancies across the UK, creating opportunities to develop skills, network, mentor and share best practice in fundraising research.

We are a volunteer committee of professional prospect researchers representing charities, educational institutions, and fundraising and research consultancies from across the UK.

We create opportunities for the prospect research community in the UK and internationally to develop their skills, connect and network with one another, strike up mentoring relationships, discover new research roles, and much more.

Prospect research, also known as fundraising research, is research carried out for the purpose of identifying and qualifying prospective donors and funding partners for a fundraising organisation.

Prospect researchers use a range of research methods and sources of information to determine the value of a funding prospect by establishing through research a prospect’s affinity to an organisation, giving capacity, and inclination (propensity) to give.

Prospect research is a component of prospect development, which also encompasses pipeline management and fundraising insight.

Researchers in Fundraising (RiF) began in 1993, when Chris Carnie, Carrie Cocke, and Alison Montgomery met up to talk about a new idea called research in fundraising. They developed three aims:

  • To raise awareness of prospect research
  • To increase understanding of the importance of prospect research in the fundraising community
  • To provide opportunities for researchers to meet, discuss, share, network and learn from one another.

In 1997, RiF became a Special Interest Group of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Today we are the leading representative body for Prospect Researchers in the UK.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our committee.

We currently have the following vacancies:

  • Secretary
  • Communications Lead
Get in touch

If you have any questions about us, get in touch. Or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to get the latest news.

Want to hear from us?

To sign up to receive our newsletter, head over to your account and select Researchers in Fundraising from the groups section.

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Committee members

Our active committee provides a forum for information exchange, ideas, networking and training opportunities for fundraisers in the region.

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Researchers in Fundraising Networking Events

Join us at regular networking events designed to share ideas, build your peer network and enhance your fundraising practice.

Advertise a Vacancy

Advertise your research, insight or prospect development vacancy to reach UK fundraising research professionals and analytical specialists working across charities and non-profit organisations.

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Volunteer with us

It would not be possible to run our groups without the help of our incredible volunteers, find out more about volunteering opportunities.