A benchmark study by Kindsight and Apra of 500 organizations explores the factors driving prospect development maturity. While higher investments in staffing and technology correlate with increased prospect qualification, larger shops still face adoption hurdles among frontline fundraisers. The findings highlight the need to shift focus from merely generating research volume to actively influencing strategy, tracking pipeline movement and driving measurable fundraising results.
Moving into management often feels like a catch-22: how do you gain leadership experience without first being given the title? Building on survey insights from 70 prospect development managers, this piece outlines actionable ways individual contributors can develop key management skills—such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and team empowerment. From leading cross-functional projects and supervising volunteers to seeking mentorship and volunteering with Apra, learn how to proactively prepare for your next career milestone.
Strategic portfolio optimization goes far beyond basic data cleanup—it underpins efforts to ensure top prospects receive the targeted focus needed to generate major gifts. Designed specifically for prospect development professionals, Apra's upcoming Fall session of Plug In: Plug in to Portfolio Optimization delivers actionable, proven frameworks to define, assess and strengthen organizational portfolios. The virtual event tackles critical industry challenges, including shifting leadership expectations, complex relationship histories, decentralized operations and uneven data quality. Featuring real-world case studies from institutions like the University of Notre Dame, UNICEF USA, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Louisiana State University and the North Dakota State University Foundation, participants learn to implement custom health benchmarks, adapt rules for specialized roles and measure portfolio health effectively.