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.
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.