I haven't seen that episode, but now I want to know which one it is so I can :D
Prospect Research, in the grand tradition of Every Job I've Ever Worked In, is super-fun with an edge of super-creepy. It's really interesting work, and most of our big big donors are used to it and know that we've researched them, but I think most people would be a little weirded out by how much research we do on any given individual.
For example, I give regularly in small amounts to my undergrad. They have a database, and I have an entry where I'm listed as an Alumnus, Donor, and "Non-Major Prospect" (ie, I'm not rich, so I give sometimes when they send letters but they're not going to send an actual person to talk to me about making a gift). Every donation I've made is logged in this entry as well as my current address, phone, and email; if I've ever attended an alumni event, my attendance is noted; if there's ever been an article about me in a major paper or magazine, it's logged and recorded in my database entry.
Wealthy people would also have notes like "In Evaluation" or "Major Donor", and the name of the fundraiser assigned to them would be listed, as well as every time they've met with the fundraiser.
no subject
Prospect Research, in the grand tradition of Every Job I've Ever Worked In, is super-fun with an edge of super-creepy. It's really interesting work, and most of our big big donors are used to it and know that we've researched them, but I think most people would be a little weirded out by how much research we do on any given individual.
For example, I give regularly in small amounts to my undergrad. They have a database, and I have an entry where I'm listed as an Alumnus, Donor, and "Non-Major Prospect" (ie, I'm not rich, so I give sometimes when they send letters but they're not going to send an actual person to talk to me about making a gift). Every donation I've made is logged in this entry as well as my current address, phone, and email; if I've ever attended an alumni event, my attendance is noted; if there's ever been an article about me in a major paper or magazine, it's logged and recorded in my database entry.
Wealthy people would also have notes like "In Evaluation" or "Major Donor", and the name of the fundraiser assigned to them would be listed, as well as every time they've met with the fundraiser.