|
|
|
|
MISSION
Connections is the premier information resource for professionals in fundraising research, analytics and relationship management. Connections publishes timely and pertinent articles about research issues, methods and industry trends; offers thought-provoking opinion about emerging issues; serves as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas; and provides the knowledge required to succeed in today’s philanthropic environment.
Connections is predominantly comprised of original educational content covering topics in fundraising research, analytics and relationship management. Connections positions the profession as a strategic partner in fundraising and as a critical component of any development operation. Connections also serves as a means to fostering partnerships and collaborations between APRA and other nonprofit professional organizations, which may include inviting or reprinting articles from thought leaders of peer organizations. As a voice of the organization, Connections publishes articles and editorials consonant with the strategic direction of the organization as defined by the APRA board.
|
YOUR AD COULD GO HERE
Reach fundraising research professionals by advertising in Connections — click here to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter 2012 Issue Available
|
The Winter 2012 issue of Connections is now available for APRA members. Login now to view the current issue and the fully searchable Connections archives.
Interested in joining APRA? Learn more about membership benefits and how to join today.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflect and Renew
By Pamela Poland
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
|
The beginning of every New Year offers us an opportunity to review and refresh our personal and professional goals. This particular year, 2012, represents a milestone for APRA. For 25 years the organization has represented from the profession of fundraising research from its infancy to what it is today – a vibrant community of people working to help propel their organizations to fundraising success through data-driven methodologies. When an anniversary is part of New Year celebration it seems an even more significant time to reflect and renew.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How Collaboration Around Analytics Changed Annual Giving at Dickinson College
By Mike Pasqua and Thanh To
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
|
Each week, Vice President of Advancement Services Don Hasseltine and I meet for our one-on-one discussion on the state of the world and all things advancement-related. Having long since come to terms with globalization, the world economy and the fate of our beloved Red Sox, the subject of these conversations often drifts back to the really tough issues, such as: How do we work smarter?
|
 
Mike Pasqua and
Thanh To
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data Visualization: A History
By Amanda Jarman
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
|
In the early 1800s, it was not uncommon for Londoners to drink water contaminated with sewage. Besides a lack of effective public works infrastructure, people simply didn’t know this was an unhealthy activity. (In the same era, it was common for doctors to spread deadly disease, simply because they did not wash their hands.) The germ theory had not yet taken root, so people did not understand that activities we now find disgusting would lead to disease. During this time, humans believed that disease was caused by poisonous vapor or mist known as miasma.
|
|
Amanda Jarman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From Ultra-Wealthy to Ultra-Donors
By Brian Gonzales
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
| A five-car pileup would hardly grab headlines worldwide. However, one involving a $400,000 Bentley Azure, a $120,000 Mercedes S Class, a $230,000 Ferrari F430, a $230,000 Aston Martin Rapide and $130,000 Porsche 911 certainly did in July 2011. News of this $1.2 million accident across from Palace de Casino in Monaco was splashed across websites and newspapers globally as the world’s most expensive car crash. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Making the Case for Research
By Sonia Gilewicz
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
| APRA’s position paper, “The Strategic Role of Research in the Development Process,” affirms that “the role of research is essential at each stage of the development process: identification, verification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Researchers are the development officers on the front line of information management, uniquely positioned — and qualified — to gather, interpret, analyze, disseminate and direct data critical to securing support for nonprofit organizations.” This statement is even more relevant today than when it was published in 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can’t We All Just Get Along
By Sandra Larkin
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
The rivalry is driving you up the wall, isn’t it?
They both want all of your time and attention. No matter how much you do, you always feel like you’re failing one or the other. You try putting in more hours, more effort, but in the end you’re not really satisfied with either of them — just exhausted. You can’t handle their conflicting demands much longer, but you don’t want to give up either. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New! Ask Elizabeth
By Elizabeth R. Crabtree
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
| Have a question? Need advice? Elizabeth Crabtree will share her professional experience and expertise with the greater APRA community by taking on your toughest challenges and responding to member issues in a new Connections column. To submit an inquiry for Elizabeth to consider publishing in a future edition, please email twojtalewicz@aprahome.org. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating 25 Years: A Look Back
By Pamela Poland
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 1: Winter 2012
|
| “Someone reminded me I once said, ‘Greed is good.’ Now it seems it’s legal.” These words were spoken by fictional corporate raider Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas, about how the current economic landscape depicted in the 2010 film “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” compares to that of Oliver Stone’s 1987 film “Wall Street.” It isn’t difficult to see parallels between 1987 and today. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|