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Apra Debates | 2025 Session Recap
Professional Development
Apra Debates | 2025 Session Recap
By Jill Meister, Jen Nettles, Rachael Dietrich Walker, Brittani Williams, and Stephanie Willis | November 13, 2025

Couldn’t make the conference or listen to the recording? No need for FOMO! This article brings the conference experience to you!

The 2025 Apra Debates focused on three critical prospect development issues: data access for fundraisers, the problem of too much data, and AI readiness. Debaters weighed data transparency against the need for expert interpretation, and the strategic value of comprehensive data against the risk of "analysis paralysis." While the audience leaned toward compromise on access and adopted an optimistic view of AI, the session underscored a core theme: prospect development professionals must remain strategic, adaptable, and focused on continuous learning to navigate the evolving industry landscape successfully.

Prioritize Purpose with Stage-Based Research
Prospect Research
Prioritize Purpose with Stage-Based Research
By Catherine Flaatten | November 06, 2025

Tired of vague or "overkill" research requests? Traditional models rely on gift officers to translate strategy into research deliverables, often leading to wasted time.

Stage-Based Research fixes this by mapping specific frontline needs to appropriate, right-sized intelligence at each donor cultivation stage. By prioritizing the purpose of the research, your team shifts from service provider to strategic partner, ensuring every effort is efficient, drives action, and scales your impact across the pipeline.

From Opportunity to Impact: The Apra PD Lottery Winners Spotlight
Professional Development
From Opportunity to Impact: The Apra PD Lottery Winners Spotlight
By Stephanie Willis | October 23, 2025

Struggling with a tight professional development budget? You're not alone.

Discover how the Apra Foundation's new PD Lottery is bridging the gap, investing in the next generation of fundraising and prospect development professionals! This article shines a light on the seven inaugural winners who—thanks to a $2,500 prize covering registration, travel, and hotel—attended the Apra PD conference for the very first time.

Hear inspiring stories from winners like independent consultant Morgan Heck and Yale's Laurel Zhuang on how this opportunity boosted their skills, expanded their networks, and connected them with a vital community. Read about the impact of investing in professional growth and learn how you can help the Apra Foundation continue to fuel development across the field.

MORE RECENT Articles from Connections
Apra Debates | 2025 Session Recap
Apra Debates | 2025 Session Recap
Prioritize Purpose with Stage-Based Research
Prioritize Purpose with Stage-Based Research
Reading Between the Lines: Bridging the Gap Between Prospect Development and Gift Officer Strategy
Reading Between the Lines: Bridging the Gap Between Prospect Development and Gift Officer Strategy
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