Finding What Doesn’t Want to Be Found: Notes on Longlisting for Niche Research
0
19
When you're tasked with identifying organisations or individuals working in a specific thematic space, the first hurdle often comes sooner than expected: you can’t find what you’re looking for—not because it isn’t out there, but because it's hiding behind outdated websites, academic jargon, and misleading search results.
Longlisting is a crucial but often under-discussed part of research and strategy work. Whether you're building a partner database, shortlisting for funding, or identifying potential collaborators, it demands both structure and creative sleuthing. After going through this process for a niche research project, I wanted to share a few reflections—on what makes it hard, what makes it easier, and how to make the most of your time.
1. Search Terms Matter More Than You Think
It’s easy to assume you can Google your way through a longlist. But if your area of focus uses technical or academic language, this quickly becomes a problem. Many operational organisations don’t describe themselves using theory-heavy terminology—they're simply doing the work, not writing about it.
To get around this, try:
Deconstructing your criteria into plain language (e.g. instead of “intersectional analysis,” try “working with marginalised women”).
Using verbs as well as nouns (e.g. “training farmers” vs. “capacity building in agriculture”).
Trying local or regional variations of terms.
Starting with known actors, then exploring what language they use on their websites and in reports.
2. The Website Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Many local organisations have basic websites—some haven’t been updated in years. This doesn’t always mean they’re inactive. On the flip side, a polished site doesn’t guarantee ongoing operations.
When you’re longlisting (rather than shortlisting), resist the urge to make assumptions too early. Make a note of the organisation, flag questions (like “operational?” or “still active?”) and move on. You can come back for deeper validation later in the process.
Look out for:
Project reports or partner logos (even if they’re from a few years back)
Mentions of recent events on external sites
Whether they’ve been tagged in online articles or social media activity
3. AI is Useful—But Use It as a Door, Not a Destination
AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) can be helpful in longlisting. They’re great for synthesising long criteria into practical terms, suggesting starting points, or even identifying a few names to explore.
But AI works best as a jumping-off point—not a substitute for human judgment. Treat the suggestions as leads, not conclusions. Explore those leads yourself, check their sources, and be open to the unexpected connections that emerge along the way.
4. Don’t Get Distracted by the Name
Keyword-based searching comes with its own set of pitfalls. Sometimes the phrase you’re searching shows up in an organisation’s name—but not in its actual work. This can clutter your list with irrelevant entries that just happen to sound right.
If you keep ending up with organisations that have the right-sounding name but don’t align with your goals, try:
Adding qualifiers to your search (e.g. “+programmes” or “+impact” or “+Africa”).
Searching by activity rather than concept (e.g. “community theatre mental health” rather than “arts-based psychosocial support”).
5. Map by Mindset, Not Just Method
In niche spaces, the most aligned organisations might not tick all the boxes on your criteria—yet they may approach their work in the right spirit. During longlisting, look for language that signals intent: collaboration, respect, inclusion, equity. These often indicate alignment in values, even if the methods differ.
That doesn’t mean you lower your standards—but it does mean staying open to organisations that do relevant work under different banners.
6. Document Your Thinking as You Go
Longlisting is iterative. Your understanding of what matters—and what’s feasible—will shift as you discover more. Don’t wait until the end to write down what you’ve learned.
Make notes along the way about:
Why you included an organisation
What gaps you noticed
Any doubts or open questions
That way, when it’s time to move to shortlisting, you have a trail of thinking to work from—and you're not starting from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Longlisting niche organisations isn’t just an admin task—it’s a form of sensemaking. You're not just collecting names; you're mapping a landscape that doesn’t always want to be found. That takes time, iteration, and a good balance between structure and curiosity.
And when you find the gems—the organisations quietly doing great work under the radar—it’s worth every minute.
