Established in 1998, the Apra Margaret Fuhry Award is given to an Apra member committed to the prospect development (PD) profession, based on leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism. The 2025 recipient was Eresha De Silva, head of donor operations on World Vision Australia’s private funding team.
What follows is an email conversation between fellow Fuhry awardee Jeff Walker (2004) and De Silva. Learn how she entered the profession, what keeps her inspired, her advice for those new to the PD community, and more
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Apra invited members of the prospect development community to share what they love most about their work. Through stories, reflections, and candid perspectives, respondents revealed a profession grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.
Members spoke about meaningful donor relationships, evolving technology, lifelong learning, mentorship, and the satisfaction of seeing their work translate into real-world impact.
What follows is a snapshot of what our community shared.
Submitting a session proposal for Apra PD 2026 is more than a formality. It’s an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the profession of prospect development and to shape the conversations that will define the field in the year ahead. The most compelling proposals do more than describe a topic. They clearly articulate why the session matters, whom it serves, and how it will help attendees navigate today’s fundraising realities.
If you’re considering submitting a proposal, the following guidance and tips from Amy Carrier, a former Apra CPC Chair and past presenter, will help you craft an abstract that resonates with reviewers and lays the foundation for a strong, engaging session.