#United States #Scottsdale, Arizona #Kindsight #Apra International #donor research

Kindsight and Apra International Unveil Innovative Benchmark Study

In a groundbreaking partnership, Kindsight, a leader in enterprise fundraising and donor intelligence, has released the 2026 North American Prospect Development Benchmark Study, in collaboration with Apra International. This study introduces a statistically validated maturity index designed to support prospect development professionals in demonstrating the impact of their work more effectively.

Understanding the Study

Conducted across 500 organizations in the United States and Canada, this pioneering research represents the first large-scale benchmarking initiative aimed at enhancing the prospect development field. The findings provide invaluable data-driven insights relating to staffing strategies, technology investments, and conversion pipelines that can significantly impact fundraising activities.

Central to this study is the Prospect Development Maturity Index (PDMI), the first scorecard of its kind. This tool helps organizations evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their prospect development operations by linking everyday practices to fundraising outcomes.

Key Insights from the Research

The benchmark study has uncovered several key insights that highlight the current landscape and potential areas for growth within the prospect development sector:
1. Modest Investment with Significant Result: Examination of available data reveals that many organizations allocate less than one full-time staff member to prospect research, with an annual expenditure around $50,000. This small investment proves to yield substantial fundraising returns.
2. Staffing Gaps: High-performing organizations employ approximately one researcher for every three fundraisers. Conversely, the average organization tends to have only one researcher for six fundraisers. This disparity indicates a significant opportunity for organizations to improve their staffing in prospect development to enhance performance.
3. Challenges in Measurement: An alarming finding from the research indicates that nearly one-third of organizations cannot ascertain whether a donor identified through research has committed to a gift. This measurement blind spot creates challenges in evaluating the impact of prospect development efforts.
4. Value of Habitual Research: One of the simplest yet most effective practices identified is the frequent examination of donor information. Those organizations that prioritize this habit have a stronger likelihood of cultivating a high-performing fundraising program.
5. Emphasis on Efficiency Over Size: Interestingly, the research highlights that the effectiveness of a prospect research team often depends more on how they work rather than their overall size. Approximately 40% of organizations in the study operate with limited staff and resources, underlining the importance of strategic approaches within these teams.

The Importance of PDMI

The establishment of the PDMI marks a monumental shift in how prospect development teams can advocate for their roles within organizations. As Cherian Koshy, Vice President of Market Insights at Kindsight and author of the study, emphasized, this index empowers professionals to present concrete evidence of how their work influences fundraising outcomes. It presents an opportunity to enter budget discussions with the necessary data to demonstrate their contributions effectively.

Furthermore, Lindsey Nadeau, President-Elect of Apra International, remarked on the need for the prospect development profession to have specific data points at its disposal. The PDMI not only equips practitioners with valuable insights but also promotes a shared language across the industry, helping align their work with revenue objectives.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Kindsight and Apra International plan to continue this important research, with future iterations aiming to expand the sample size and deepen sector-specific insights. As a part of this continuous effort, the 2026 study is only the beginning of an ongoing longitudinal research project that aspires to track maturity changes across the field over time.

Engage with the Findings

Organizations are encouraged to explore the study's findings in more detail through the full report and utilize the interactive self-assessment tool that accompanies it. A live walkthrough is scheduled for July 14 at 1:00 PM ET, where insights from both Kindsight and Apra International will be shared, including benchmarks for pipeline conversion and actionable recommendations derived from the collective experiences of participating organizations.

For more information on Kindsight's technology offerings or to engage with the study, please visit kindsight.io.

Conclusion

In summary, Kindsight and Apra International have laid the groundwork for a transformative approach to donor research through this benchmark study and maturity index. With evidence-based insights and a focus on improving efficiency, this development could significantly enhance fundraising strategies and outcomes in the nonprofit sector.