As we approach Giving Tuesday, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of generosity and community. For Apra, one important way that transformation happens is through the Apra Foundation. Foundation donors open access to educational opportunities that empower and inspire members of our community, helping them grow, thrive and make a lasting impact on their organizations’ missions.

Real Impact

The Apra Foundation is more than a fund; it’s a lifeline for professionals in our field who are eager to learn but may not have the financial resources needed to access Apra’s invaluable educational programs. Since 2021, $10,400 has been granted to 47 individuals in total. Through professional development grants, gifts to the Foundation open doors to knowledge and connections that change careers — and lives.

“As a past president, volunteer, presenter and active member of Apra, I see time and again the incredible value to prospect development that Apra provides,” says Liz Rejman, principal at Liz Rejman + Co. and former Apra Foundation trustee. “From learning, to networking, camaraderie and trend analysis, Apra provides it all and more. I am incredibly grateful I can access the organization’s resources and network. It's why I donate. I want every prospect development professional to have the same access — it's too good not to share! My gift is a way of celebrating the Apra community and promoting lifelong learning of prospect development for all.”

The Apra Foundation’s impact is possible entirely because of our donors. Every dollar given fuels education and innovation within our industry. It’s not just about supporting individual professionals; it’s about strengthening the entire field of philanthropy. When one of us grows, we all grow.

This Giving Tuesday, your gift could enable us to support even more community members. Whether it’s helping a new prospect researcher attend their first Apra event, funding access to a course on cutting-edge analytics or filling a professional development gap left by a slashed organizational budget, Apra Foundation donors make a real difference to our colleagues and the nonprofit sector.

The Gift That Keeps Giving

By giving to the Apra Foundation, you’re not just supporting education — you’re creating a ripple effect. When fellow professionals succeed, so too do their organizations. When their organizations succeed, the communities and causes they serve flourish. That’s the power of the Apra Foundation: a rising tide that lifts all boats.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in giving the gift of education. Whether you make a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift, your generosity will have a lasting impact on your peers, your profession and the world we all work to improve.

Together, we can ensure that every member of the Apra community has access to the tools, resources and connections they need to grow and succeed. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday one to remember — for the Apra Foundation, for education and for the future of philanthropy.

How To Give

Making a gift is simple: click here to make your contribution today. Then share your story of why you give on social media with the hashtag #ApraGives and inspire others to join in. Together, we can ensure that the gift of education continues to empower and uplift the Apra community.

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a celebration of generosity, growth and the boundless potential of our incredible community. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Catherine Flaatten, MPH, CFRE
Associate Vice President of Prospect Development, BWF

Catherine Flaatten, MPH, CFRE, is the associate vice president of prospect development at BWF where she partners with clients to develop creative solutions to their prospect development challenges. Previously, she served in various roles at The George Washington University, most recently as the managing director of research and relationship management. Flaatten has also worked in prospect development at Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, the National Psoriasis Foundation and the BrightFocus Foundation.

A regular speaker and author, Flaatten currently serves on Apra’s Board of Directors, Fundamentals Committee and Foundation Board of Trustees. Former volunteer roles include serving as president and programming chair of Apra Metro DC, chairing the aasp Best Practices in Prospect Development and Apra Membership Committees and serving on Apra’s Body of Knowledge and PD Curriculum Planning Committees.

Flaatten holds a BA in international affairs and an MPH in maternal and child health, both from The George Washington University.