Happy Prospect Development Pride Month! In this Connections article, Apra Foundation President Stephanie Willis celebrates the legacy of the month and issues a call to action for the community. Originally sparked by a 2014 article by Helen Brown, PD Pride has become a vital time for the Apra community to advocate for the profession and celebrate the individuals driving philanthropy.
With professional development budgets tightening across the industry, the Apra Foundation provides essential scholarships, awards, and grants to ensure career growth remains accessible. For 2026, the Foundation has set an ambitious goal to raise at least $8,000 to sustain these programs. Your contribution can go twice as far thanks to a March matching gift challenge, and President Stephanie Willis has even pledged to donate an additional $1 for every unique donor who participates this month, regardless of gift size
Are you new to relationship management or considering making the leap? Have you wondered how all the pieces come together to help your organization reach its fundraising goals? As you’ve likely suspected, a lot happens across teams to support fundraising, and we’re offering a look at the inner workings of relationship management through our Fundamentals Course. In this course, you’ll build your skills in portfolio composition, data management, and cultivating your influence to be a trusted partner for your fundraisers.
In a move toward transparency, the CDC co-chairs are highlighting Apra’s recent management shift. They’re using this transition as a natural moment to "look under the hood" and ensure they are meeting member needs in a fast-changing industry. To help, please complete their 7-question survey by March 15 to help shape future content.