As we reflect on Apra’s continued growth and impact, it is important to honor our origins and the values shaping our work. Founded in 1987 in Minnesota, Apra traces its beginnings to a gathering in the summer of 1981 at Augsburg College. Researchers came together to examine the history of prospect development in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area and to identify ways to better support each other (credit to apra-mn.org).
Recently, Minnesota has emerged as a focal point, with events there drawing the attention of international media and the nonprofit sector alike. In response, individuals and civic organizations are coming together to support affected families and communities. In this spirit, Apra’s work continues. We are advancing and supporting a global community of professionals, all dedicated to strengthening philanthropy’s capacity to serve others--with integrity, insight, and compassion.
This year, I had the pleasure of interviewing, via email, Kelli North, the recipient of Apra’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award. This honor, established in 1990, recognizes an individual who has significantly advanced both the prospect development profession and Apra through exceptional contributions beyond their daily paid work. The award recognizes excellence in professional and personal competencies that elevate learning, collaboration, and talent in our field.
Kelli currently serves as Associate Director of Development Research, Fundraising, and Strategic Alignment at the University of Michigan. Her work centers on embedding inclusive, pipeline-expanding practices into prospect development. She has led efforts to evaluate bias in wealth screenings, develop policies for identity and affinity data, and align development practices with social justice principles.
As we turn our calendars to 2026, make personal and professional resolutions, and do other things that beginning a new year entails, the Content Development Committee (CDC) is taking a moment to reflect on contributions from you, our members, that shaped 2025. It was a year full of change, creativity, and conversation across the prospect development community. Apra Connections continued to be a space where practitioners shared insights, learned from one another, and elevated the field through best practices, experiences within our organizations, and big-picture thinking.