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
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.
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.