FTGU Book Review

It was both an honour and intimidating when Tracey Church offered to review From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits – Tracey Church is a true leader in the field in Canada and internationally, and has a long history of research excellence, including as past-President of Apra Canada, a member of the Apra International Board of DIrectors, serving over 400 clients through her consulting firm, and teaching the Prospect Research in Fundraising course at Western’s MLIS program. Not to mention she is the co-editor and co-author of Prospect Research in Canada, which has been the prospect research Bible since being published in 2016. But she was ready and willing to read From the Ground Up, and her review can be found on LinkedIn and below:

“I had the pleasure of reading over this past month, Sarah Marcotte and Katherine Scott ‘s book From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits (available via https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GH6S369V)

Sarah and Katherine give an honest, and at times hilarious (spit-your-coffee-out) account of being a prospect researcher both early career and “mature” career.

Several themes come through in the book including setting expectations (of your own, your fundraiser’s, and client’s); finding your own path (for your own sanity/work-life balance); and the importance of networking; professional development; mentoring; volunteerism; and other career-affirming areas.

In many ways, the book could be titled “Are You Thinking About Becoming a Prospect Researcher? Read This First”! Lol

They have done their research (of course); have (first-hand) case studies; relevant pop culture/geek references (all of which I nodded my head); and, I’m happy to say often reference Apra Canada’s text book “Prospect Research in Canada: An Essential Guide for Researchers & Fundraisers” (Civil Sector Press, 2016) for the “how to” areas. [proceeds go to Apra Canada Scholarships].

Lastly, Sarah and Katherine practice what they preach and are active volunteers and mentors in the profession.
Thanks again Sarah and Katherine for this great read and I look forward to seeing you at the Apra Canada Conference in October!”

Many thanks Tracey!