Who Are Your Access People?

Finally, let’s say that you’ve identified the access person and also the prospect, and the fundraiser attains the gift. Who gets the credit? My advice: Clearly defer to the team, and use the opportunity to enrich your relationship with the fundraiser. Then solicit wisdom and additional information on resources that can help you identify future access people and new prospects.

When it comes to the choice between having a pretty feather in your cap or gaining what you need to make lightening strike again and again, always choose the latter.

Gil Israeli is senior writer and director of prospect research at the American Technion Society. He also edits the Fundraising Compass blog. Reach him at gisraeli@nyc.rr.com