Training & Events

Prospect Research for Fundraising

Do you want to find new donors but aren’t sure where to start?

This hands-on course, led by Emma Lacroix, introduces the tools, techniques, and strategic thinking behind effective prospect research and supporter identification.

Designed for those new to prospect development or looking to sharpen their approach, this live classroom session will help you better understand who your potential supporters are, where to find them, and how to prioritise your efforts for maximum impact.

The session will also explore how to integrate prospect research into your wider fundraising strategy and build a pipeline that supports long-term growth.

What will you learn?

Over this three-hour session, you’ll explore:

  • the role of prospect research in fundraising success
  • key sources of information for identifying individual, corporate, and trust prospects
  • how to profile potential supporters effectively
  • using databases, online tools, and networks for research
  • techniques for segmenting and prioritising prospects
  • building a prospect pipeline
  • how to turn insight into action for your fundraising strategy
Who is it for?

This course is ideal for fundraising professionals who are new to prospect research or want to strengthen their supporter identification skills. Suitable for organisations of all sizes across the cultural and heritage sectors.

Meet the trainer

Emma Lacroix

Fundraising Consultant, Lacroix Fundraising Consultancy

Emma is a senior fundraising and communications specialist with 20 years of experience across the heritage, higher education, culture, and environmental sectors. She brings strategic insight to clients in areas including campaign development, major gifts, international fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

Before becoming a consultant, Emma was Director of Development and Communications at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where she led a major capital fundraising campaign for the £80m Edinburgh Biomes Project and shaped the organisation’s communications and engagement strategy. Earlier in her career, she was Head of Philanthropy for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

Emma has a keen knowledge of cultural enterprises in Scotland. She is passionate about education and social equity and is committed to widening access and advancing opportunity through inclusive philanthropy.

Details

Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025
Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
Cost:
£85 + VAT for C&BS members,
£125 + VAT for non-members
Category: Training Courses

Trainer

Emma Lacroix

Venue

Azets Quay 2
139 Fountainbridge
Edinburgh EH3 9QG

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