The Birthplace of Apra
Flying High: Piloting an Effective Prospecting & Qualification System
Successful discovery doesn’t take off by accident—it requires a well-orchestrated flight path. In this session, we’ll explore how prospect development professionals can build a system that surfaces the right leads at the right time, verifies their potential, and equips gift officers to qualify with confidence. Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning existing processes, you'll leave with actionable strategies to strengthen each leg of the discovery journey.
Details:Wednesday January 21st 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Central
Catherine Flaatten, MPH, CFRE, is the associate vice president of prospect development at BWF, where she advises nonprofit clients on building and strengthening programs in prospect research, management, and analytics. Her consulting is grounded in past practitioner experience at The George Washington University, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, the National Psoriasis Foundation, and the BrightFocus Foundation.
Catherine serves on Apra International’s Board of Directors,Education and Professional Development Committee, and Fundamentals Committee and has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with Apra International, Apra Metro DC, and aasp. She is a frequent presenter and author in the field, and her expertise has been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Her contributions aim to position prospect development as a strategic driver of fundraising success and strengthen the profession through knowledge-sharing and leadership.
She earned both her BA in International Affairs and her MPH in Maternal and Child Health from The George Washington University.
Join Apra-MN for networking and camaraderie at Centro in Highland Park from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Come meet fellow prospect development professionals, make new connections, and celebrate the start of another year!
This event is free to attend and open to members and non-members alike.
While online registration is not required, please RSVP so we can be sure to reserve enough space for our group.
Location:
Centro Highland Park
750 Cleveland Ave S St Paul MN 55116
Are you part of a small (but mighty!) prospect development or fundraising team? You're not alone! Join us for a virtual gathering on Friday, February 20 as we launch the Apra-MN Small Shop Network—a cohort designed to connect and empower fundraisers working in “small” shops. This launch event is your chance to meet peers, share ideas, and explore strategies tailored to teams with fewer staff or resources.
The Apra-MN Small Shop Network is an affinity group committed to building community, exchanging practical solutions, and amplifying the unique strengths of small teams. All are welcome—whether you’re a one-person shop or part of a lean team. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, celebrate wins, and create a supportive network that lasts well beyond this first meeting.
When:
Friday, February 20th 11:00 AM Central
Where:
Google Meet! Registrants will receive a confirmation email with the meeting link.
Join us for a special stop on the virtual book tour of Prospect Management: The Essential Guide for a High Functioning Nonprofit Prospect Management System, the first comprehensive guide of its kind in the nonprofit sector. Written by Ruthie Giles, a nationally recognized expert in prospect management, the book offers a deep dive into key areas such as portfolio optimization, managing donor pipeline stages, and effectively partnering with gift officers. With decades of hands-on experience, Ruthie brings clarity, structure, and actionable insight into a critical but often overlooked area of fundraising operations.
During this engaging session, Ruthie will share the story behind writing the book, her passion for building sustainable prospect management systems, and her vision for where the field is headed. Whether you’ve already read the book or are just discovering it, this is a valuable opportunity to bring your questions, challenges, and curiosity. Expect a lively, practical conversation—and walk away with ideas and solutions you can start applying right away.
About Ruthie
A renowned thought leader in the field of prospect management, Ruthie Giles has worked in prospect research and prospect management since 2000. She has spoken on the topic of prospect management at APRA, CASE and NEDRA conferences, as well as to regional nonprofit professional groups. She is the author of Prospect Management: The Essential Guide for a High Functioning Nonprofit Prospect Management System (2025). Ruthie has held positions with Springfield Technical Community College, University of New Hampshire, Westfield State University, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Loomis Chaffee School, and the Williston Northampton School. She is a former Board of Director member of the New England Development Research Association.
