Dear Apra Community,

I hope this message finds you already off to an exciting and prosperous new year.

Though it’s hard to believe we’re nearing March, I’m excited to share updates and reminders about some of the great professional development opportunities Apra has in store for you in the coming months.

Thank you to those who responded to the call for speakers for Prospect Development 2024 (PD2024), Apra’s premier annual conference that gathers prospect development professionals around the globe to learn, connect and gain valuable insights. The call for speakers closed last week and speakers will be notified in March. Be sure to save the date: PD2024 will take place Aug. 20-23 in Seattle, with more information about registration coming this April. 

The Chapters Committee is committed to providing programming that will expand, strengthen and support Apra Chapters and their development. The next session in the Chapters Share the Knowledge series in scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27 at noon CT. Chapter leaders are invited and encouraged to attend this and future sessions to learn more about good governance practices for managing their chapters. 

In March, we’ll proudly celebrate 10 years of research pride during Prospect Development Pride Month. In honor of this milestone, the Apra Foundation will launch a donation campaign toward Apra’s Professional Development Assistance Fund. Stay tuned for more from the Foundation and Apra on how you can get involved and give back to the profession.

Earlier this year, Apra also opened its awards nominations. Please consider taking a moment to think of a fellow member who deserves recognition, or consider nominating yourself. Apra offers four awards: the Apra Scholarship Award, the Margaret Fuhry Award, the Professional of the Year Award and the Apra Distinguished Service Award. All nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 15.

March — one of our busier months this quarter — also includes the start of Apra Fundamentals: Prospect Research (March 11, 13 and 15). The Apra Fundamentals program focuses on four key areas of prospect development: campaigns, prospect research, prospect management and data science. Join us as we explore fundraising terms, resources for finding and analyzing biographical, background and financial information, and much more. With our online modules, you can also access online networking opportunities and learning exercises in the weeks leading up to the event. Apra Fundamentals is a great opportunity to keep current on the latest developments in our field and an effective way to onboard, upskill and reskill your team members. If you’re interested in getting perspectives from this year’s faculty and past attendees, Apra Content Development Committee Chair Jennifer Moody interviewed a handful of individuals, which you can read on Connections.   

I am also pleased to announce that the Apra Salary Survey will open on Monday, April 1. Please keep an eye out for communication from Apra HQ with a link to participate. This important member benefit offers a comprehensive assessment of compensation and benefits in the prospect development field, making participation from the membership critical. The benchmarking report equips you with the information you need to understand industry trends, advocate for your own compensation and benefits, and set appropriate staffing levels at your organization.

As you can tell, we have a robust spring schedule with even more ahead. Please stay tuned for more details to follow regarding professional development grants supported by the Apra Foundation this May, a new Plug-In to Technology event with a focus on artificial intelligence and CRM systems also coming this May and the Apra Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 18.

If you haven’t done so already, I would encourage you to take a moment to reflect and think of a past or current mentor within the Apra community who made or is making a positive impact on your career. To honor and celebrate them, please consider sharing your mentorship story with our Content Development Committee and emailing connections@aprahome.org. 

On behalf of the Apra Board of Trustees and Apra Foundation, thank you for being a member of Apra and making a difference in the world of philanthropy. If you know someone who would benefit from joining the Apra community, we offer a range of membership options and evolving set of professional development resources.

With your partnership, Apra continues to shape the prospect development profession and fundraising industry toward new heights of shared success.

I look forward to connecting and celebrating with you at PD2024 in August.

Best regards,

Dr. Rodger Devine
Apra President 2023-2024

Rodger Devine
President, Apra; Assistant Vice President of Advancement Operations, Pomona College