APRA recognizes accomplishments in the field through several awards.
APRA Scholarship
Established in 1990, this award is open to all APRA members and honors an individual who has contributed exceptional service to the advancement research profession above and beyond his or her daily paid work.
The APRA Scholarship is based on merit and institutional financial need and covers the costs of conference registration, accommodation (up to four nights) and travel expenses (not to exceed U.S. $1,000). Applicants must work at least 50 percent of the time in advancement research for a nonprofit organization in a non-consulting capacity. Please click here for the 2012 scholarship application.
A committee of APRA membership will select one Scholarship Award winner each year and the award will be presented at the Annual International Conference..
2011 APRA Scholarship Recipient: Kristi Dahlstom

APRA Distinguished Service Award
Established in 1990, the Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who has enhanced both the advancement research profession and APRA through exceptional contributions beyond his/her daily paid work. The award takes into account professional competencies (the APRA Advanced Skills Set as a basis for career conduct) and personal competencies (contributions that facilitate learning and talents that are exceptional). Please click here for the 2012 APRA Distinguished Service Award application.
A committee of APRA membership will select one Distinguished Service Award winner and the award will be presented at the Annual International Conference.
2011 Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Stephanie Jonescu
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The APRA Professional of the Year Award
This award was established in 1999 and is open to all APRA members. Formerly known as the Researcher of the Year award, it recognizes an outstanding fundraising professional who has made a significant positive impact on his or her organization's success in fulfilling it's mission. Examples of significant impact include making important contributions toward establishing and/or running a fundraising research office or function and developing or enhancing a program related to data analytics, prospect identification or relationship management.The award is intended to recognize the skills, talents and accomplishments of a member in our profession who has gone above and beyond the scope of their core duties and played a leadership role in their organization. Please click here for the 2012 APRA Professional of the Year application.
The award recipient receives a full complimentary registration and accommodation at the Annual International Conference. A committee of APRA membership will select one Professional of the Year Award winner, which will be presented at the Annual International Conference.
2011 Professional of the Year: Mary Macleod

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APRA Foundation Margaret Fuhry Grant
Established in 1998, this award is given to a researcher based on his or her leadership, mentorship, volunteerism and dedication to the profession. The grant is a US $500 stipend to be used for professional development and is not limited to use at the APRA International Conference. Please click here for the 2012 APRA Foundation Marharet Fuhry Grant application.
A committee of APRA membership will select one Margaret Fhury Grant winner and the grant will be presented at the Annual International Conference.
2011 Margaret Fuhry Grant Recipient
Mary Feeney
Keene State College
"The annual conference is an opportunity to not only learn about new techniques in the field, but is also a valued time spent with peers. Having all of the corporate sponsors and demonstrations of their products all in one place is an efficient and convenient way to learn about everything new that's available in our field. The networking possibilities are endless, and the mentoring sessions have been especially beneficial for me. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to attend last year's workshops, and look forward to attending future APRA conferences."
-Angi Bedell
Director of Research, Advancement Administration
University of South Carolina
2006 Margaret Fuhry Grant Award Recipient
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APRA Visionary Award
This award was created to recognize an APRA member who has served as a pioneer or trailblazer in the field, with qualities that exemplify the spirit of APRA. One recipient may be awarded annually at the discretion of the APRA Executive Committee.
If you have questions regarding APRA awards, please contact Sarah Murphy or call (312) 321-5196.
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