Peer Research

For any not-for-profit or educational institution, undertaking peer research into the various fundraising models and strategies adopted by similar organisations is a very valuable exercise. Peer research helps to identify fundraising strategies that work and those that do not and helps to shape the parameters of realistic and effective strategic fundraising plans.

Peer research differs from benchmarking. The focus is on understanding the fundraising models and strategies of selected organisations in depth. It involves selecting organisations that operate in a similar environment to your own, both in your own country and overseas, and then developing a questionnaire to interview them comprehensively about their fundraising practices. 

The number of organisations to be interviewed will depend on a range of factors, however we recommend interviewing approximately eight to ten organisations to provide a reasonable base from which to draw conclusions. Included in the list of organisations to be interviewed should be some of similar stage in terms of their fundraising programs and some organisations that are more developed.

Peer research will produce findings that are invaluable in helping to understand the fundraising strategies adopted by others and the issues and opportunities involved in different fundraising approaches. It is an essential step in planning or reviewing any major fundraising activity. Donorcentricity will work with you to shortlist organisations to interview, design a questionnaire and complete the survey so your organisation is in a much better position to devise and implement fundraising programs that work effectively.