Research

We are experienced across the full range of research tools and techniques, have access to the highest quality analysis software and data sources, and are able to provide robust research cost effectively as we don't carry the high overhead costs associated with mainstream research agencies. Our hands-on knowledge of fundraising enables us to identify and address key issues and provide practical and usable recommendations, and our professional qualifications mean you can trust our results.

We are members of the Market Research Society and abide by their guidance and codes of conduct in all our work.

Literature Reviews
If you are contemplating a change in fundraising or organizational strategy, a summary review of the available published information on a particular subject can be invaluable as an aid to decision-making. We have access to UK and international databases and can deliver clear and usable summaries of current thinking and practice.

Market Research
We undertake market research in two ways; either proactively establishing that a need exists to research issues that are relevant to many fundraising charities, or through individual commission.

Consortia Projects
Having identified an information gap, where research may interest multiple charities, we will invite participation in a research project undertaken for a group of clients. This approach keeps the costs down for participants, and ensures that the research is robust. Participants in this sort of programme receive bespoke reports of their results, plus an aggregate report on the findings across the whole group. Sample aggregate reports from these sorts of projects can be downloaded from Reports.

Individual Projects
We are also happy to recommend design and provide research projects and feasibility studies to answer specific needs.

Donor Research
We can conduct donor research on all categories of donor using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Issues such as the reasons for donor lapse, preferences for certain giving methods and attitudes to charity communications can be probed initially in a focus groups or interviews, with quantitative survey work used as a second stage to verify and quantify the findings. We can advise you on where research is appropriate, what form of research would be best, and what sample sizes and levels of statistical significance you should be looking for.