Beyond Wealth Screening: The Future of Prospect Research and Strategic Insight
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Speaker(s): Jami Hougen Johnson, Executive Director of Prospect Development and Decision Support, University of Chicago, James Cheng, Executive Director for Business Intelligence & Prospect Strategies Development & Alumni Relations (DAR), Boston University
Interdisciplinary Elective
Prospect research is evolving beyond wealth screening and reactive fact-finding into a more strategic function that supports fundraising, engagement, and institutional decision-making. This session explores the changing role of research in advancement, including how teams can provide stronger partnership around prospect identification, relationship strategy, reputational risk, and donor engagement. Attendees will examine the core foundations of effective prospect research, discuss how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the field, and explore practical ways fundraisers, alumni relations, communications, and advancement services professionals can better collaborate to strengthen donor relationships and organizational insight.