Apra Fundamentals: Prospect Research
Apra was excited to bring you Apra Fundamentals: Prospect Research this winter! Participants joined us for online networking and learning exercises combined with additional learning in the weeks leading up to the event. Attendees not only had access to the online community of attendees and faculty experts, but also had the opportunity to attend a virtual program that took place Feb. 24, 26 and 28, 2025.
The program focused on the four key areas of prospect development: campaigns, prospect research, prospect management and data science. It explored fundraising terms and technologies as well as techniques and resources for finding and analyzing biographical background and financial information.
Participants also were introduced to corporate and foundation research. They dove into how available data can be used to formulate gift capacities and inform fundraising operations and learn how to navigate ethical considerations when conducting research, best practices for managing and reporting prospect data and creating quality research products.
Who Attended?
Fundraising professionals new to prospect development who wished to fast-track their capabilities and skill set.
What You Learned?
- Practical skills and knowledge to be applied immediately in prospect development work.
- The critical role prospect development plays in the fundraising process.
- How rewarding and fun it is to work in the field of prospect development.
What You Got Out of the Program?
Attendees also had multiple opportunities to share experiences with other colleagues new to the field, began to build a network of professional contacts and acquired materials that will help to improve their work.
What Else Was Included in Apra Fundamentals Registration?
In the weeks leading up to the event, registrants were given access to an online community to network with fellow attendees, download resource material and communicate with faculty experts. Make the most of your registration by contributing to this community!
The online learning before the event — consisting of about four hours’ worth of module training and access to a community of experts — was mandatory. It was designed to prepare you for the event education, which will cover more around ethical considerations, reporting prospect data and creating quality research products. The webinars are between 15-70 minutes each and include:
- Prospect Research Overview
- Researching Individuals: Biographical Information
- Researching Individuals: Wealth Indicators
- Corporate and Foundation Research
- Estimating Capacity Ratings
- Prospect Identification
- Relationship Management
- Campaigns
- Prospect Research and Ethics
- Data Science