The donor pyramid is one of the most popular timehonored principles in fundraising, and yet, there is very little if any academic research supporting its validity. How could this be? What role has research played in the development field? Do we need research to justify our practices? Why is research so valuable to an emerging profession? Adrian Sargeant will provide his perspective of the importance of research, discuss what fundraising subjects need more research, and share the results of his latest research.

Adrian Sargeant, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Ind.