In this new series, the Apra Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Justice and Access (DEIBJA) Committee offers resources to help you further engage with the latest practices and thought leadership around DEI in prospect development.

Read on to see what committee members have on their radar.

What we're recommending: The Ethical Rainmaker Podcast

Recommended by: Brandon Baez

Summary: From grounding practices in donor experiences instead of a community's needs, to a lack of political, race, class and power analyses, traditional fundraising practices often perpetuate the very injustices the nonprofit sector wishes to end. The Ethical Rainmaker is a podcast that hosts authentic conversations grappling with the questions we don’t often ask in the nonprofit world.

Why we're recommending it: It's time to rethink how we are engaging and uplifting traditional philanthropy and some of the practices that undermine our missions. We must navigate the way forward with today’s resisters, re-imaginers and the re-creators of the Third Sector.

Where you can find it: Visit their website, theethicalrainmaker.com, or listen to episodes on iTunes, Spotify and ​Simplecast.

What we're recommending: “Management in a Changing World”

Recommended by: Kate McConnell

Summary: As managers, working toward social change often requires carefully balancing the power and responsibility that comes with the role. This book is geared toward leaders — new and seasoned — who are looking to develop the right skills and frame of mind to “manage equitably and sustainably to get great results.”

Why we're recommending it: The Management Center is a management training organization dedicated specifically to management for social change. Their book is a great resource for managers and centers the experiences of communities that are often marginalized, especially Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

There are a lot of resources for managers out in the wild world of the internet — this one actively centers on inclusion, equity and belonging, while also providing really usable and clear tools. I highly recommend it for anyone who is or will eventually be a manager!

Where you can find it: Visit The Management Center’s website or find it anywhere books are sold or loaned.

Kate McConnell
Associate Director of Prospect Management, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Kate McConnell (she/her/hers) is the associate director of prospect management for the principal & major gifts team at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Kate was the first prospect management professional at PPFA, and implemented a brand new program now facilitated by a team of five. She and her team advise on portfolio and departmental strategy for PPFA and eight partner affiliates, and oversee the development of comprehensive organizational processes for data visualization, complex CRM coding, budget projections and more — including the creation of PPFA's Values Misalignment Policy.

Prior to joining PPFA, Kate implemented the first prospect management program for Yeshiva University, where she began her 10+ year career in Prospect Development. Kate serves as co-chair for Apra's DEIBJA Committee and serves on Apra's Advocacy Committee. She is also a co-chair for the Apra GNY DEI Committee. In her free time, Kate is a superfan of musical theatre, BTS and feminist podcasts, and serves on the board of directors of Phi Sigma Pi, a gender-inclusive honor fraternity committed to social service through scholarship, leadership and fellowship.