The 2022 edition of Best of Connections is here and there’s so much to dig into, reflect on and celebrate.

Your fellow Apra members — authors of the articles that follow — did not disappoint in sharing their insights, examples and best practices. From thoughtful approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion, to ways prospect development professionals can show value and be a leader, here are some of the top articles published in 2022, as voted on by the Apra Editorial Advisory Committee.

Want to see your article in the running for next year’s Best of Connections? Drop a note to editors@aprahome.org to learn how you can contribute.

Best of Data Science

“DEI and Data Governance: A Possible Path Forward,” by Steve Grimes: Balancing data governance protocols and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals in fundraising practices can seem like a tightrope walk. Learn a few ways you can mindfully approach both processes.

Best of Leadership

“Culture Building: Standards of Collaboration,” by Lindsey Nadeau: Are you looking for ways to improve how your teams work together? Learn how the team at UNICEF USA manages collaboration and how it can make or break success with coworkers.

Best of Professional Development

“Prospect Management Metrics: Showing our Value, Elevating our Work,” by Janet Weimar: Measuring success in prospect management can seem daunting and undefined. By reimagining organizational metrics, teams can better evaluate and showcase their work, and build a strong foundation.

Best of Prospect Research (Two-Way Tie)

“DEI and Due Diligence: An Opportunity for Prospect Research to Lead,” by Kristal Enter: Due diligence and DEI have become increasingly important topics in prospect research. Learn how you can navigate this space and ways to avoid a homogenous donor base.

“Starting from Scratch: Building 30 Portfolios in 6 Weeks,” by Ashley Mick and Fallon Morris: While authors Ashley and Fallon had done their fair share of portfolio scrubs and refreshes, they had never built one from scratch — at least until the summer of 2020. Here’s how they did it in less than two months.

Best of Relationship Management

“Strengthening Partnerships with Faculty,” by Linnea Nasman, Adrian Stover and Benjamin J. Morris: The UW Medicine advancement team saw the unharnessed prospect pipeline potential of their health care system, so they empowered faculty members to participate in the donor engagement process. The result? Meaningful partnerships and increased philanthropic support. 

Best of Bonus

“Meetings That Matter: Driving Fundraising Success Through Deliberate Planning,” by Bond Lammey and Jacqui Coones: Are your meetings impactful? Here’s how to assess your current state of meetings and develop creative agendas that keep staff engaged and focused.