The use of photos in fundraising databases and beyond can raise several ethical concerns in prospect research. Discover ways to help safeguard your organization while ensuring proper safekeeping and care of your constituents’ information.
Is there an easy button for due diligence? Not exactly. But good news: the Ethics and Compliance Committee (ECC) has plenty of resources to guide you, and breaks down the basics in this column.
How are you celebrating Research Pride month? Here, Patricia (Suzi) Elzie-Tuttle reflects on the power of prospect research, the opportunities this profession provides to others and the importance of "paying it forward" by supporting the Apra Foundation Professional Development Assistance Fund.
Have you ever found yourself in an ethical gray area when it comes to sourcing info from the public domain? The Apra Ethicist breaks down best practices and standards in this month’s column.
In this message from Apra President Melissa Bank Stepno, discover different ways you can "fill your fountain" with Apra in 2022 by investing in yourself, maximizing your membership and supporting your community throughout the year.
Hear from Apra President Melissa Bank Stepno as she dives into the things she looks forward to the most in her new role. Learn more about Apra’s work on the DEI Data Guide, creating a new Strategic Plan, planning for the annual Prospect Development Conference and more.
Did you know October is Ethics Awareness Month? Discover resources from Apra around identity data, fundraising partnerships, campaign research, vendor due diligence and more, as well as videos and interviews from our partners at AFP.
As many organizations head back to the office, discussions around COVID-19 experiences and concerns remain constant. The Apra Ethicist weighs in on what to consider when returning to the office, including compliance standards, HIPPA regulations and helpful guidelines.
An unprecedented year has raised unprecedented questions. In this Ask the Ethicist Column, the Apra Ethics & Compliance Committee gives advice on using the Federal Election Commission database, the best approach to “vaccine etiquette” and how to ethically report on race and identity.
It’s not uncommon for many groups to partner with other organizations on a joint venture and be asked to share donor lists for cross-referencing purposes. But what are the ethics of using a third party to evaluate these lists? The Apra Ethicist weighs in on data sharing and security.
The past year has had a profound impact on us all. President Misa Lobato shares how 2020 impacted Apra and how, despite challenges, has led to reimagined events, high-quality education in the new Apra University system, data-driven decision-making resources, DEI initiatives and new goals for 2021.
Whether you're just starting out in in the field, are a seasoned professional or just completed Apra Fundamentals and are looking for more content, be sure to check out these articles on the basics of prospect development.
While many groups are pushing for more diversity to help grow organizations, it can be difficult to see real change when the board of directors or leaders are not a diverse group of people. The Ethicist weighs in on DEI and leadership, and shares tips on how to make DEI an ongoing goal.
Is your organization considering launching a workplace campaign to encourage staff to give back? Or, have you been tasked with verifying the giving capacity of current faculty and feel unsure of the ethics behind it? The Apra Ethicist weighs in on internal employee campaigns and research.
Apra recently held its very first data science challenge where participants were given a shared dataset and tasked with designing a dashboard. Hear from the winners about the challenge, working in teams and takeaways from participating.
Have you been noticing more notifications about incidents involving industry vendors and started to wonder how to avoid these situations at your own organization? The Apra Ethicist weighs in on vendor due diligence.
In keeping with Apra’s goal of collaborating with thought partners to positively influence the industry, Apra hosted a plenary panel at #PDVE2020 to discuss shifts in the industry and the future of prospect development. Catch the recording here, which includes closed captions and a transcript.
As we’ve shifted into a work from home (WFH) era, more people are finding themselves on social media, interacting with fellow prospect developers. But, is it okay to be posting and discussing work-related content online? The Apra Ethicist weighs in.
In this message from Apra President Bond Lammey, learn about financial resources and tools for our membership, #PDVE2020 updates and fall educational offerings to look forward to.
Although the economy is in flux, there is still important development work to be done, particularly for health and basic needs fundraising. How do we prospect ethically without seeming opportunistic? The Apra Ethicist weighs in.
Like many of you, we in Apra leadership and staff have been watching and experiencing recent events, including the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, and the subsequent protests and social unrest across the globe, with sadness, horror, frustration, grief and anger.
In this edition of Ask the Ethicist, learn different strategies to make your voice heard in your organization. If you have ideas on how to improve your organization ethical procedures, but are unsure what to do next, follow these tips on how you can enact change.
As the Apra community navigates the evolving impact of COVID-19, Connections would like to provide just a few resources to help ground you in three areas: your career, the Apra community and work-life balance.
The new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) can affect your organization, even if you don’t operate in California. Learn simple steps to follow and ensure compliance.
Are you losing sleep trying to keep up with all of the recent industry changes? According to The Ethicist, the best way to relax is to ensure you have the right policies in place. Read how you can best prepare yourself and your colleagues.
Recent investigations and whistleblower activity should remind prospect development professionals to revisit their organization’s policies regarding acceptance of contributions. This month, The Ethicist provides several questions to ask yourself to ensure your organization’s policies are thorough.
When an organization makes headlines for a controversial ethical decision, it affects everybody in the organization, including prospect development professionals. Learn how you can implement clear policies to avoid negative publicity.
One month after Prospect Development 2019, Conference Planning Committee Chair Sarah Daly reflects on the major successes of the event, how it impacted Apra members and what she looks forward to for the 2020 conference in Washington, D.C.
I am so horrified to learn that Federal Election Commission (FEC) political contribution data is forbidden for use by nonprofit and higher education organizations for fundraising. Doesn’t every wealth screening company in our sector make use of this information? What’s an ethical researcher to do?
The following is a recap of group discussions that took place at PD 2019. About 50 people gathered to discuss recruitment and talent management; policies and procedures; dreaming big; metrics in prospect development; and advocacy in action. Some highlights of the group discussions are shared here.
The following is a recap of the group discussion that centered on “What Does ‘Big Data’ Mean for Fundraising Analytics?”, as part of the Data Analytics Symposium (DAS) at Prospect Development 2019. Check out more PD 2019 group discussions on Connections.
The following is a recap of the group discussion Taking the Next Step Up Mt. Data, as part of the Data Analytics Symposium (DAS) at Prospect Development 2019. Check out more PD 2019 group discussions on Connections.
The following is a recap of the group discussion, “Experimental Data Science - Lessons from the Lab,” from the Data Analytics Symposium (DAS) at Prospect Development 2019. Check out more PD 2019 group discussions on the Connections homepage.
Is it ethical for college fundraisers to speak with admissions officers regarding children of wealthy donors? Learn more about the specifics of student privacy and fundraising in this “Ask the Ethicist” column.
Stuck and need a new perspective? Site visits are a great opportunity to network and gain inspiration. Check out our interactive guide to understand the building blocks and benefits of this valuable activity.
Implementing new technology, such as Salesforce’s chatter function, can offer exciting opportunities for keeping track of your data. But how can you be sure to use these functions ethically?
All over, Apra chapters are organizing events that highlight industry innovation, information and connection. Learn what Apra chapters have been doing this quarter, and discover upcoming events you can pencil into your schedule.
The cannabis industry is a new industry and the laws are confusing and complex, particularly in the United States. What are the ethics of accepting donations from cannabis companies? The Apra Ethicist weighs in.
Certain Apra members who choose to go above and beyond in the prospect research field are recognized with the annual Apra Awards. We feel these inspiring overachievers have a lot to teach us, so we decided to pick the brains of the 2018 winners in a new interview series.
Certain Apra members who choose to go above and beyond in the prospect research field are recognized with the annual Apra Awards. We feel these inspiring overachievers have a lot to teach us, so we decided to pick the brains of the 2018 winners in a new interview series.
Should you use the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ database to research your prospects? The Ethicist weighs in on the ethics of using information that wasn’t intended to be public.
Prospect development is an incredibly important feature for any organization relying on donations for its operations. Make sure you know the basics of prospect development and its uses for nonprofit organizations.
For someone on the outside looking in, prospect research can seem invasive. How can we convince folks that prospect research is valuable and ethical? The Ethicist weighs in.
We spoke with Renée M. P. Teate, data scientist and keynote speaker at this year’s Apra Data Analytics Symposium, to learn why data science is important to the field of prospect development.
In honor of Apra's 30th Anniversary, the Connections team has reached out to Apra members who have dedicated years to the organization, and asked them a few questions regarding all things Apra: past, present and future. This week, hear from longtime Apra member Jacqueline Robbins.
All over, Apra chapters are organizing events that highlight industry innovation, information and connection. Learn what Apra chapters have been doing this quarter, and discover upcoming events that you can pencil into your schedule.
The Apra Body of Knowledge (BOK) is a comprehensive tool that helps individuals and their managers identify growth opportunities and ensure they have the knowledge and resources to excel. Learn how several Apra members are utilizing the BOK in their roles and organizations.
In honor of Apra's 30th Anniversary, the Connections team has reached out to Apra members who have dedicated years to the organization, and asked them a few questions regarding all things Apra: past, present and future. This week, hear from longtime Apra member Helen Brown.
In honor of Apra's 30th Anniversary, the Connections team has reached out to Apra members who have dedicated years to the organization, and asked them a few questions regarding all things Apra: past, present and future. This week, hear from longtime Apra member Anne Mayer.
The opportunity to change — and update — outside perceptions about your role is right in your hands. The key is being ready to speak up when the time is right. One great way to do this is to create your very own pitch.
All across the world, Apra chapters are organizing events that highlight industry innovation, information and connection. Learn what Apra chapters have been doing this quarter, and discover upcoming events that you can pencil into your schedule.
In honor of Apra's 30th Anniversary, the Connections team has reached out to Apra members who have dedicated years to the organization, and asked them a few questions regarding all things Apra: past, present and future. This week, hear from longtime Apra member Christine Mildner.
In honor of Apra's 30th Anniversary, the Connections team has reached out to Apra members who have dedicated years to the organization, and asked them a few questions regarding all things Apra: past, present and future. This week, hear from former Apra president Michael Quevli.
All across the world, Apra chapters are organizing events that highlight industry innovation, information and connection. Learn what Apra chapters have been doing this quarter, and discover upcoming events that you can pencil into your schedule.
This year’s Data Analytics Symposium, held during Apra’s Prospect Development 2017, offers a wide variety of sessions for analytics professionals. Here, I share my journey with analytics – including my lessons learned – and how the symposium can help you with yours.
Is it ever appropriate to share donor information with colleagues outside of your organization? The Apra Ethics & Compliance Committee weighs in in this first in a series of columns titled "Ask the Ethicist."
March is Prospect Development Pride Month, and boy do we have a lot to be proud of. .. We are actively motivated to learn something new every day. And we are generous in sharing tips, methods and resources with each other.
I mean, really. Does a profession get much better than that?
Jennifer Peplinski was “flabbergasted and surprised” when she learned she had won the Apra Scholarship — so surprised, in fact, that she woke her dog as she worked from home.
“I am very flattered to win this award, but really, everything we do is a team effort,” said John McBride, associate director of prospect research at the University of Chicago and recipient of Apra’s 2016 Professional of the Year Award.
Enterprising, skeptical and communicative: These are three words that Jessica Balsam, associate director of prospect management at the University of Washington, uses to describe herself.
Katie Ingrao, assistant director of prospect management at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, is this year’s winner of the Margaret Fuhry Grant. The award recognizes her leadership, mentoring, volunteer spirit and dedication to professional development.
Recent research has illustrated the insidious effects of prolonged sitting and sedentary behavior, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased mortality risk.
Prospect development professionals are not born, but made. Here are some of the educational opportunities currently offered that could benefit you and your colleagues.
The [advocacy] committee is committed to implementing Apra’s strategic vision to raise the profile of our profession and empower prospect development professionals to take ownership of their critical role within the fundraising industry.