2025 Fall Virtual Conference

Please join Apra-NY for our Fall 2025 Virtual Conference on October 16, 2025 from 10am to 3pm EDT!

Topics will include everything from Prospect Engagement, Research, Pipelines, and more.

Cost is $50 for members and $85 for non-members (which includes a one-year membership in Apra-NY).

Session Descriptions below!

Session 1 (10:00am-10:45am): Modern Advancements in Prospect Development

Presented by: Catherine Flaatten, BWF

Session Description: The world of philanthropy is changing fast—and prospect development is evolving right alongside it. In this session, we’ll take a look at current macro-level trends shaping our work, from economic shifts to donor behaviors to workplace dynamics. Then we’ll explore in detail how our field is stepping up with new techniques, emerging tools, and stronger partnerships across fundraising teams. Attendees will come away with actionable insights into how they can adapt their approaches to prospect development and grow their impact on their organizations

Session 2 (11:00am-11:45am): From Ancestors to Assets: Unearthing Connections Through Genealogy and Prospect Research

Presented by: Rachel Hammond, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago 

Session Description: Discover how genealogical research can enhance donor identification and relationship mapping. This session explores who should conduct this research, when it’s most useful, and how it intersects with prospect research. Learn what to look for, why it matters, and which tools can help you uncover and leverage family connections for strategic fundraising.

Session 3 (1:00pm-1:45pm): Beyond the Profile: How Prospect Research Can Help with Prospect Engagement

Presented by: Jessica Lirette, University of New Hampshire

Session Description: Prospect Research and Management teams can offer much more than research profiles. With a little creativity and outside the box thinking, teams can provide additional support to assist their fundraising and external relations colleagues with their engagement efforts - and make themselves even more valuable partners in the process. This session will explore ways in which researchers can provide event support, assist with awards and marketing materials, and even identify prospects who have been negatively affected by natural disasters. 

Session 4 (2:00pm-2:45pm): Safeguarding Mission and Partnerships: Yale's Due Diligence Framework

Session Description: This session, presented by Yale University’s Prospect Development team, will share lessons learned in creating a comprehensive due diligence policy for a large, decentralized institution. Participants will gain practical guidance on identifying key policy components, strategies for building cross-campus stakeholder buy-in, and approaches to aligning due diligence with institutional mission and values. Using Yale’s experience as a case study, the workshop will highlight strategies for successful implementation, ongoing refinement, and ensuring that due diligence supports both ethical standards and philanthropic partnership. Attendees will leave with a framework adaptable to their own organizations, whether large or small.

Session 5 (2:45pm-3:00pm): Apra-NY Closing Remarks and Appreciation!

Presented by: The Apra-NY Board of Directors