Prospect research is quickly evolving away from traditional research due to advancement in data, technology, and AI and moving towards proactive analytics that delivers actionable, data-informed insights that directly impact fundraising decision making.

To keep ahead of these trends, the Oregon State University (OSU) Foundation embarked on a three-year initiative to redefine its research approach by creating a dynamic, proactive, data-informed program prioritizing close partnerships with Development and emphasizing strategic conversations grounded in analytics.

This new approach resulted in the formation of the newly branded Relationship Insights team at the OSU Foundation.

Recognized with a 2024 Silver CASE Circle of Excellence award, this presentation tells the story of how the OSU Foundation went from Research to Relationship Insights. We will share how other organizations can adopt similar approaches to enhance their organization's research and fundraising efforts by providing more proactive value to their development officers, and what the future holds for the Relationship Insights team.