How to Read & Understand Wealth Screening Reports

Wealth screening tools—whether you’re using iWave, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, or another platform—are invaluable for identifying and cultivating high-potential donors. But while these tools provide a wealth of data (pun intended), the real power lies in knowing how to interpret the reports and take action.

At Optimize Consulting, we help non-profits turn raw data into fundraising strategies. No matter which platform you use, here’s how to break down a wealth screening report and use it to identify, engage, and cultivate the right donors.

Start with the Giving Likelihood Score

Most wealth screening platforms assign a giving likelihood score (sometimes called a philanthropic score or predictive score) based on past donations, financial capacity, and engagement patterns.

🔹 Higher scores indicate stronger potential
🔹 Lower scores require further qualification

These scores are helpful for prioritizing outreach but should never be the sole determining factor. Some key questions to ask:

✅ Has this person given before? Past giving is the best predictor of future giving.
✅ Do they have the financial capacity to give at a higher level?
✅ Have they engaged with organizations similar to yours?

💡 Pro Tip: A high score doesn’t guarantee interest. Look beyond the number and evaluate their full donor profile.

Understanding Estimated Giving Capacity

Wealth screening tools estimate how much a prospect might be able to donate over time. This is based on a mix of:

💰 Real Estate & Property Values – Higher-value properties often indicate greater wealth
📈 Investments & Business Ownership – Public financial data, stocks, & company revenue help estimate assets
📊 Annual Income & Net Worth – A general snapshot of financial standing
🎯 Political & Charitable Giving – Past contributions signal philanthropic habits

💡 What to Look For:

• Someone who has consistently donated over time is a stronger prospect than someone with wealth but no giving history.
• Business owners might be open to corporate gifts, sponsorships, or networking opportunities beyond personal donations.

Past Giving Behavior: The Most Reliable Indicator

Wealth screening reports track previous charitable contributions, which can reveal where, when, and how much a prospect has given. Key details include:

📅 Year of donation – Are they a long-time supporter or new donor?
🏛 Recipient organizations – Have they given to similar causes?
💲 Donation type – Was it a one-time gift, annual support, or in-kind contribution?

💡 Takeaway: Someone who gives small, consistent gifts may be more engaged than a large one-time donor. Prioritize relationship-building over chasing big names.

Wealth Indicators: Understanding Financial Strength

Beyond giving behavior, financial indicators help determine a prospect’s ability to give. Most wealth screening platforms provide:

🏡 Real Estate Holdings – Estimated property values
💼 Business & Stock Ownership – Revenue potential, company stakes, executive positions
📊 Investment Portfolios – Discretionary assets that could be donated

💡 Pro Tip: Just because someone can give doesn’t mean they will. A high net worth doesn’t always translate to philanthropic engagement—so pair this data with giving history.

Planned Giving Potential: Who’s Likely to Leave a Legacy Gift?

Some platforms include a Planned Giving Score to identify donors who may be inclined toward bequests or endowments. This is often based on:

✔️ Age (older donors are more likely to consider estate gifts)
✔️ Wealth (high net worth individuals may plan legacy contributions)
✔️ Past giving behavior (long-term donors are strong planned giving candidates)

💡 Actionable Insight: If your organization has a planned giving program, focus on longtime donors first—they’re your most likely legacy givers.

Political Giving: A Useful Indicator (Handled Carefully)

Many platforms include political donation history, which can provide insight into a donor’s interests and engagement level.

While we don’t make assumptions about political affiliations, we can use this data to gauge:

🔹 Giving consistency (frequent political donors are often generous in philanthropy)
🔹 Financial engagement in causes that align with your mission

💡 How to Use It: Rather than focusing on political alignment, use this as a conversation starter—donors who actively contribute to causes are often willing to give elsewhere, too.

One of the Most Overlooked Sections: Board Memberships & Business Ties

Many wealth screening tools list a prospect’s foundation affiliations, corporate board positions, or business connections. These can be just as valuable as financial data.

💼 Why it Matters:

• Board members understand philanthropy and may be more receptive to high-level asks.
• Corporate affiliations can open doors to sponsorships, partnerships, or matching gift opportunities.
• Networking potential—A donor who sits on multiple boards may introduce you to other major givers.

💡 Actionable Tip: If a prospect is a board member of a foundation, research their grant history—it could be an avenue for funding.

Final Takeaways: Turn Data into Action

Wealth screening tools provide valuable donor intelligence, but it’s what you do with the data that matters.

📌 Track & Segment Donors – Use your CRM (like HubSpot) to store, organize, and act on prospect data.
📌 Prioritize Relationship-Building – A high wealth score doesn’t replace engagement. Personal connection is key.
📌 Customize Your Outreach – Some donors want data-heavy impact reports; others prefer personal stories. Tailor your approach accordingly.

Want to go beyond wealth scores and build a donor engagement strategy that works? That’s where we come in. Optimize Consulting helps non-profits integrate wealth screening insights into real-world fundraising success.

📩 Let’s Talk. Ready to turn your donor research into major giving opportunities? We’re here to help.