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Foundation Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mnstate.edu

$28.75 - $42.16/hr

Conduct prospect research and develop cultivation strategies that expand the Foundation's pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Continuously evaluate Foundation operations and ...

mnstate.edu

Foundation Director

Worthington, MN · On-site

$28.75 - $42.16/hr

Conduct prospect research and develop cultivation strategies that expand the Foundation's pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Continuously evaluate Foundation operations and ...

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Foundation Prospect Researcher information

See salary details

$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.

Associate Director, Foundation Relations

Houston, TX • On-site

Baylor College of Medicine
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Baylor College of Medicineexternal

$88K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 regional and national private foundation prospects and donors, developing and implementing strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

  • Lead the development and submission of competitive grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and other funding requests to private foundations.

  • Prepare timely stewardship reports, progress updates, and other donor communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic investments and ensure compliance with foundation reporting requirements.

Baylor College of Medicine rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Associate Director, Foundation Relations
Division: Institutional Advancement & Alumni Affairs
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Location: Houston, TX
Salary Range: $88,583 - $104,215
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: Flexible
Summary
The Associate Director of Foundation Relations reports directly to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and is responsible for supporting the development, evaluation, implementation and reporting for a portfolio consisting of regional, national, and international foundations. This person will help implement strategies in identification, cultivation and solicitations of foundations, conduct prospect research, and prepare and deliver timely stewardship reporting. This position will coordinate philanthropic foundation activity with sponsored grants and contracts to ensure appropriate funding strategies and institutional compliance. The Associate Director of Foundation Relations will also support and assist major gift officers in their work with foundations and will provide all supporting materials required for evaluation, solicitation and stewardship of these vital relationships.
Internal title: Senior Development Associate I; working title: Associate Director, Foundation Relations
Job Duties
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 regional and national private foundation prospects and donors, developing and implementing strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Lead the development and submission of competitive grant proposals, letters of inquiry and other funding requests to private foundations. Secure a minimum of $1 million annually in philanthropic commitments, with a primary focus on major gifts of $100,000 or more.
  • Identify, research, and evaluate prospective foundation funders whose priorities align with Baylor College of Medicine's strategic initiatives. Develop targeted prospect lists and funding strategies for institutional priorities, research programs and faculty.
  • Partner closely with faculty, department administrators and the Office of Research to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals and advance institutional funding priorities.
  • Coordinate proposal development from concept through submission, working collaboratively with faculty, finance, research administration, and communications staff to ensure proposals are accurate, compelling, compliant, and submitted on time.
  • Prepare timely stewardship reports, progress updates, and other donor communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic investments and ensure compliance with foundation reporting requirements.
  • Participate in foundation cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, including virtual and in-person meetings, site visits and presentations. Maintain consistent engagement through meaningful outreach, prospect qualification, and stewardship activities to advance relationships and move prospects through the development pipeline.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of all prospect and donor activity in CRM, including contact reports, strategy notes, action plans, proposal tracking, and stewardship documentation.
  • Review foundation proposals and communications to ensure consistency with Baylor College of Medicine's messaging, branding, and quality standards. Collaborate with internal partners to produce polished, professional materials.
  • Monitor foundation deadlines, proposal calendars, award requirements, and reporting obligations to ensure institutional compliance and effective grants management.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills
  • At least 3 years of experience in foundation relations or similar experience, with proven results in securing grants.
  • Experience in academic medicine, higher education or healthcare preferred.
  • Skill in composing letters, memos, articles, proposals and other written communications
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills required. Experience communicating with community stakeholders required.
  • Technical proficiency and knowledge (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Blackbaud CRM).
  • Ability to work with highly confidential materials and have familiarity with financial information, including ability to understand and review complex grant budgets.
  • Demonstrated personal initiative and team player with a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
  • Ability to work across multiple deadlines.
  • Must reflect the values of Baylor College of Medicine at all times, with particular emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, integrity, and honesty.

Work Authorization Requirement:
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.
Requisition ID: 26081

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