Effective Prospect Management Policies: Best Practices and Innovations

This session will delve into the core elements of robust prospect management policies, exploring how we, UVA, developed a new PM Policy with best practices and innovative strategies that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your development operations. 

Key topics will include:

• Establishing clear and actionable criteria for prospect identification and prioritization

• Developing systematic approaches for tracking and managing donor information

• Integrating data analytics and technology to improve prospect research and segmentation

• Creating policies that align with ethical standards and compliance requirements

• Implementing training and continuous improvement programs for prospect management teams

Ali Freeman

Ali Freeman is the Associate Director of Prospect Management at the University of Virginia. In this role, Ali leads the prospect management team and collaborates with leadership across the university to provide strategic guidance and support to achieve organizational goals.

Before joining UVA, Ali was a Lead Senior Researcher at the University of Minnesota, where she worked closely with frontline fundraisers on portfolio development, research, and prospecting.

Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling. She    lives in Elk River with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and two cats.

IRS Form 5500, Another Tool for Corporate Research

IRS Form 5500 is an annual report that employee benefit plans like 401(k)s must file to provide financial and operational details to federal agencies. Because it is a public report, prospect researchers can use it as another tool while researching a private company. My presentation will focus on how the search site can be used, my experience trying to decipher the information found on the form, and examples of how I have used this information so far to support our gift officers.

Chris Backes

Chris Backes is the Prospect & Portfolio Research Manager for the CentraCare Foundation. He leads all things prospect development for the foundation and assists in the strategizing, tracking, and reporting for our campaign. He has been with CentraCare since January of 2023. With an undergraduate degree in Economics from St. John’s University and a passion for philanthropic work, Chris believes he has found a great career opportunity in the world of prospect development.

Healing and Justice: Integrating The Truth Project's Insights into Philanthropic Practices for Indigenous Empowerment

This session will explore how the findings from The MN Truth Project can inform and enhance philanthropic practices in Mni Sota Makoce/Minnesota. By aligning with the principles of indigenizing philanthropy, the session will propose actionable strategies for researchers and stakeholders to address historical injustices, promote equitable engagement, and support Indigenous-led initiatives. Participants will gain insights into integrating restorative justice principles into philanthropic practices and learn how to effectively contribute to Indigenous community empowerment and self-determination.

Favi Ramirez

Favi is a Prospect Research and Development Associate at the University of Minnesota Foundation, where they leverage their public health background and community organizing skills to foster stronger collaboration with gift planning officers. By integrating best practices for professional degrees and non-alumni units, Favi enhances prospecting strategies and major gift donor engagement.

As a committed advocate for social justice, Favi serves on the Foundation’s DEI Council and the Prospect Development Research Team’s DEI Lens workgroup. They actively implement and support the Foundation’s inclusive statement through justice-driven initiatives such as the BIPOC informal lunch group, promoting a more equitable and    inclusive environment.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore!: Research for Corporate and Foundation Engagement

Come "over the rainbow" with Libby Nickel & Rebecca Covington to learn about:

• A Horse of a Different Color: The key differences between researching individuals vs. companies and foundations
• The Lion or the Tin Man: The important differences between corporations and foundations, their motivations and their processes
• Revealing the Great and Powerful Oz: What 990's tell us about foundation capacity, giving and affinity
• How to get home again: Free or high impact databases that can support this type of research, briefings and rosters, and other considerations

Libby Nickel

I am a two-time alumna of the U (Ski-U-Mah!), and since 2013, I've worked at the University of Minnesota Foundation as a prospect researcher and project manager. As a manager on our team, I lead the Prospect Development strategy and support of our Corporate and Foundations Engagement (CFE) team. In my free time, I volunteer on the development committee of The Lift Garage, a non-profit auto repair shop that provides low-cost car repair to low income Minnesotans. I also spend lots of time on my paddleboard on Lake Nokomis.

Rebecca Covington

Howdy! I'm a development professional with a practical background in research and data analysis, strategic planning, and project management. I work for the University of Minnesota Foundation as a Senior Project Manager in Prospect Development, supporting the work of our Principal and Corporate Giving Services. My academic background is in international relations and public policy. To add balance to work life, I teach indoor cycle as a part-time group exercise instructor at my local YMCA and row with the Minneapolis Rowing Club on the mighty Mississippi River.  

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