About Apra

Apra Awards FAQs

Where can I view all of Apra's past Award recipients?

You can see the list of the past award recipients here.

How can I apply for a scholarship/grant?

Visit the About Apra/Apra Awards page, where you will find information about all of Apra's offerings. 

Who should/can apply for an Apra Award?

For most awards, any Apra member in good standing who believes they exhibit the qualifications that the award is seeking to honor can apply for an Apra award. An Apra membership is not required for the Scholarship award. Each award's scope, purpose and requirements are described on the Apra Awards page. If a nomination for an award is made by someone other than the intended recipient, it is recommended that the nominee involve the person nominated in the application process.

What qualities make a good candidate for each award?

  • Apra Scholarship: Apra's Scholarship Award ensures accessibility to educational programming by awarding a scholarship to a prospect development professional based on financial need and professional merit. In the review of applications, the selection committee will consider professional achievements, proven leadership within and outside their organization, and volunteer participation with local/regional groups. Selection is weighted on both merit and financial need. 
  • Apra Distinguished Service Award: The Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who has enhanced both the advancement research profession and Apra through exceptional contributions beyond their daily paid work. The award considers professional competencies (the Apra Skill Sets and the Body of Knowledge) and personal competencies (contributions that facilitate exceptional learning and talents). Self-nominations are permitted.
  • Apra Professional of the Year Award: The Professional of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding prospect development professional who has significantly impacted their organization's success in fulfilling its mission. The award is intended to recognize the skills, talents and accomplishments of a member of our profession who has gone above and beyond the scope of their core duties and played a leadership role in their organization.
  • Apra Margaret Fuhry Award: This award honors Margaret's memory by recognizing an Apra member committed to the prospect development profession based on leadership, mentorship and volunteerism.  
  • Apra Visionary Award: The Visionary Award is periodically given to a member of our community who has demonstrated leadership to Apra members through their lifetime of work. The Apra board gives the award. There is no application process or nomination procedure for this award.

What if I haven't done the things you ask about (volunteered, etc.)? Should I apply anyway?

If you have not yet had a chance to engage in your research or nonprofit community, you may want to construct a plan and apply for an award in the future. Awards are intended to recognize service and involvement and support candidates demonstrating financial need through their nonprofit's limited training resources. The candidates who demonstrate these characteristics are most likely to advance.

I have volunteer experience, but it's outside of Apra. Should I tell you about it?

Yes, it would help if you shared that with the committee. Your experience in leadership roles with other organizations and your nonprofit is valuable in viewing you as a viable candidate. The committee will not know what you've done unless you share it!

I do not live near a chapter, so I can't get credit for being a chapter volunteer. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve my standing?

There are ways to volunteer in your profession or your community that could help your standing as an award candidate. Can you help other nonprofits who want to learn about prospect development? Have you considered writing an article for Apra Connections or another publication? Are there other professional groups in your area who might benefit from your expertise as a researcher or your skills as a volunteer for their activities? Is there a chapter in a neighboring state that could use your talents in planning meetings or other tasks? Remember, many volunteer roles can now occur from a distance.

Who are the best people to ask for recommendations?

Ask someone who knows you and your work well. A close colleague, manager, or someone with whom you've worked in your chapter activities will know you well enough to make a strong recommendation. Encourage the person you pick to write about your contributions.

Do I have to attend the conference to get an award?

Most of the awards are designed to help Apra members attend the annual conference, so award recipients should be in attendance.

Can you please clarify the financial need and what constitutes it? How can I still illustrate it in my application if it is not a priority within my organization's budget?

Financial need is best expressed by outlining your department's resources for training. The specifics you share can clarify this to the committee and are appreciated, but budget dollar figures are not required. Applicants for awards where financial need is considered can share information about their nonprofit's ability to send them to the annual conference. (For example: "Our training budget was reduced and now allows for local conferences only," or "We have four researchers, and our budget permits only one researcher to attend a conference," or "My department has no training budget.")