“Every capital campaign requires a unique blend between the art and science of philanthropy. Our campaign cabinet had been working on 25 top prospects- we knew them, they knew us- but we had no idea what to ask for. By accessing a wide array of public information, Aspire Research helped us verify the interest and capacity of several prospects and confirmed that no public information was available on the rest. Aspire provides us with good data, the science, which we are using to build stronger relationships- the art of philanthropy.”

Steve Dickie, Oklahoma Methodist Manor

Prospect Research for Fundraisers: The Essential Handbook

Jen Filla, president of Aspire Research Group, teamed up with Helen Brown to write Prospect Research for Fundraisers: The Essential Handbook.

“Congratulations to the authors on producing a book that should be in every development officer’s library.” -Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE

From essential overviews to how-to-search skills, this practical book gives the development team the tools to understand how to use prospect research in ways that best fit their goals for each stage of the fundraising cycle.

prospect development

The Big 5: Our Most Popular Blogs of the Year

by Aspire Research Group
December 9, 2025December 8, 2025
Research in Fundraising

At Aspire we hope you’re going crazy this December with an overwhelming response to Giving Tuesday, fielding major donors that… Read More »The Big 5: Our Most Popular Blogs of the Year

Step Behind the Scenes in 2026: Your Guide to Prospect Research Success!

by Crystal Dutton
December 5, 2025December 9, 2025

Kick off 2026 with a fresh perspective! Whether you’re new to the Prospect Research Institute or a long-time participant, join… Read More »Step Behind the Scenes in 2026: Your Guide to Prospect Research Success!

Transformative Gift Opportunity with Family Offices

by Aspire Research Group
November 4, 2025December 12, 2025
Major Gift Teams

The number of family offices and their investable wealth has exploded over the past few years, but that isn’t the… Read More »Transformative Gift Opportunity with Family Offices

Unmasking Prospects: Live Research Showdown with Generative A.I.—Love It or Hate It!

by Crystal Dutton
October 14, 2025October 21, 2025

Are you ready to challenge your assumptions and expand your toolkit? In this high-energy session, you’ll witness real-time prospect research as our presenters put… Read More »Unmasking Prospects: Live Research Showdown with Generative A.I.—Love It or Hate It!

How $83 Trillion Could Disrupt Traditional Fundraising – And What you Can Do About It

by Jennifer Filla
October 1, 2025October 1, 2025
Major Gift Teams

Why Your Next Major Donor Won’t Look Like Your Last: We’re standing at the edge of the largest wealth transfer… Read More »How $83 Trillion Could Disrupt Traditional Fundraising – And What you Can Do About It

Success alert! Start individual giving with major gifts and this trusty side-kick

by Jennifer Filla
September 1, 2025September 2, 2025
Research in Fundraising

Your board chair just cornered you after the meeting. “We need to focus on major gifts,” she declares. “We don’t… Read More »Success alert! Start individual giving with major gifts and this trusty side-kick

Stop Chasing Strangers: The Major Gift Strategy That’s Hiding in Plain Sight

by Jennifer Filla
August 1, 2025July 5, 2026
Prospect Identification

You need $1.5 million for your new program. The board meeting is next month. The president is breathing down your… Read More »Stop Chasing Strangers: The Major Gift Strategy That’s Hiding in Plain Sight

Misconceptions of Prospect Management

by Aspire Research Group
May 1, 2025April 29, 2025
Prospect Management

We’ve likely heard the phrase “prospect management” before in meetings and conferences. But what exactly is it? And what is… Read More »Misconceptions of Prospect Management

3 Reasons You Should Care About Family Offices

by Aspire Research Group
July 2, 2024March 28, 2025
Major Gift Teams, Profiles, Research in Fundraising

When I first heard of a family office, I thought it was a fancy way of saying a family business.… Read More »3 Reasons You Should Care About Family Offices