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Foundation Prospect Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do foundation prospect researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation prospect researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation prospect researcher?

Foundation Prospect Researchers are professionals who identify and evaluate potential funding sources for nonprofit organizations, specifically focusing on foundations. They research foundations’ giving histories, priorities, and application processes to determine the best matches for their organization’s needs. Their work helps fundraising teams approach the right foundations with tailored proposals, increasing the chances of securing grants. These researchers play a crucial role in developing a strong funding pipeline and supporting the overall mission of their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation prospect researcher?

To thrive as a Foundation Prospect Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in fundraising or nonprofit management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with prospect research databases, CRM systems like Raiser’s Edge, and proficiency in online search tools are commonly required. Excellent written communication, curiosity, and discretion are crucial soft skills for effectively gathering and conveying sensitive information. These abilities are essential for identifying high-potential funding sources and supporting successful grant-seeking strategies.

What are the typical challenges faced by foundation prospect researchers when identifying new funding opportunities?

Foundation Prospect Researchers often encounter challenges such as limited publicly available information on private foundations, keeping up-to-date with constantly changing grant guidelines, and prioritizing prospects based on organizational fit and capacity. Additionally, balancing the need for thorough research with tight deadlines can be demanding. Collaboration with development officers and program staff is key to ensuring research aligns with fundraising strategies and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Foundation Prospect Researcher vs Grant Researcher?

AspectFoundation Prospect ResearcherGrant Researcher
CredentialsBachelor’s degree, research skillsBachelor’s degree, research skills
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, foundation-focusedNonprofit, grant-focused
Employer & IndustryFoundations, nonprofitsNonprofits, grant-making organizations
Search & Comparison IntentIdentify foundation donorsIdentify grant opportunities

The Foundation Prospect Researcher primarily focuses on identifying potential foundation donors and understanding their giving patterns to support fundraising efforts. In contrast, the Grant Researcher concentrates on finding suitable grant opportunities and preparing applications. While both roles require research skills and work within nonprofit or foundation settings, their main objectives differ: donor cultivation versus grant acquisition.

What are popular job titles related to Foundation Prospect Researcher jobs?

For Foundation Prospect Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Foundation Prospect Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Prospect Researcher

Remote

Facing History and Ourselves, Inc
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Facing History and Ourselves, Incexternal

$58K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Title: Prospect Researcher
Reports to: Managing Director, Development Strategy & Services
Location: US-Based Home Office
Status: Exempt; Full Time
Salary Range*: $58,000 - $65,000 (IC2/B3)
Start Date: Immediate
Facing History & Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to racism, antisemitism, and other forms of bigotry and hate.
Role Summary
The Prospect Researcher identifies and analyzes information on individual and institutional donors to help the Development team build informed engagement strategies. By delivering a range of research products�from high-level snapshots to in-depth profiles�and conducting critical risk assessments, this role ensures the department has the actionable insights needed to grow the donor pipeline and support strong, well-informed relationship management.
Key Duties & Accountabilities
Prospect Research & Pipeline Intelligence (60%)
  • Produce a standardized "menu" of research products, including in-depth donor profiles, meeting briefings, and at-a-glance event snapshots tailored to specific use cases for executive leadership, senior development staff, and regional teams.
  • Perform research on both individual and institutional prospects (foundations and corporations) to map relationships and identify giving capacity, affinity, and philanthropic history.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence and formal risk assessment vetting to protect the organization and ensure alignment with gift acceptance policies.
  • Partner with event leads to prioritize guest lists and identify "must-know" prospects for signature fundraisers and cultivation events.
  • Partner with the Managing Director, Institutional Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives and grant writing team to produce a steady stream of institutional prospects that support regional expansion.
  • Manage the transition of "Raw Screening" (initial wealth data) into "Qualified Screening" by validating and confirming data to ensure a high-quality donor pipeline.
  • Synthesize information from multiple sources into concise summaries for Development leadership and board bios.

Proactive Identification & Strategic Support (25%)
  • Dedicate consistent time to proactive prospecting to uncover high-potential individuals and institutions not yet assigned to a portfolio.
  • Support specialized strategic needs, such as identifying candidates for Board pipeline growth, expansion into new geographies, and tracking philanthropic trends.
  • Monitor external news and financial filings for indicators of new wealth or shifting interests among potential donors.

Training & Staff Enablement (15%)
  • Develop and deliver standard onboarding and refresher training to help Development staff navigate basic research tools and interpret profiles.
  • Create role-specific guidance for staff on leveraging research tools (e.g., iWave) for local projects and relationship management.
  • Establish and manage clear request protocols and turnaround standards to ensure the department understands how to access research services.
Core Competencies for Role:
  • Strong research and analytical abilities with a skill for synthesizing information from multiple sources into a clear narrative.
  • Disciplined self-starter who takes initiative and manages their own research queue and project timelines independently.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for creating brief, readable formats for busy stakeholders.
  • Customer-service mindset, characterized by responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting established deadlines.
  • High degree of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive or confidential donor information.
Other Skills & Qualities:
Facing History understands that restrictive job requirements may exclude historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. We take an equitable and holistic screening approach. If you feel you have demonstrated experience and expertise relevant to perform this role, please don't hesitate to apply!
  • Minimum 2 years of direct experience in prospect research with a proven track record of producing various research products, including profiles, briefings, and risk assessments.
  • Experience with both individual and institutional research required.
  • Proficiency with prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, GrantWatch, RelationshipScience) and CRM systems required; Salesforce experience is a plus.
  • Experience in the nonprofit sector required; background in the education or nonprofit education sector is a significant bonus.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both as a collaborative team member and as a focused, independent contributor.

Benefits Summary: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package including medical with a fully employer-sponsored health reimbursement account (HRA), dental, vision, life & AD&D, long-term & short-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary organizational contribution, generous paid time off, an employee assistance program, travel assistance plan, pre-tax commuter spending accounts, flexible spending accounts, voluntary Colonial Life group plans, robust wellness programs through aHealthyMe, an employee discounted marketplace through BenefitHub, weekly virtual yoga and meditation, 403(b) advisement, and a friendly work environment.
Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion. Our strength as an organization is directly tied to the diversity of our staff, leadership, educators, students, scholars, and volunteers. We strongly encourage each member of our community to be intentional and self-reflective in their attitudes toward others. This intentionality not only makes for a safer, happier, and more vibrant workplace, but it reflects the ethical framework of the content we produce for teachers and students. Our continued dedication to an inclusive work environment includes facilitating group learning journeys throughout the year and making space for optional employee resource groups. Together we show grace and support to ourselves and our colleagues so that we can all contribute in ways which are meaningful and rewarding.
Remote-first/Hybrid Work Model (US Home Based): Facing History & Ourselves operates in a remote-first/hybrid work model, allowing staff flexibility in both schedules and work locations. This particular position is home-based. Travel is required.
* We strive to offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience in a similar position. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal parity.

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