The Maryland Chapter of APRA (formerly the "Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement"
was established in 1995. It is the local chapter of an international organization for professionals
in the Advancement fields of Prospect Research, also referred to as Development Research; Information
Analysis, also referred to as Data Mining and Analytics; and Relationship Management, also referred to as Prospect
Management.
The goals of this organization are:
to facilitate education about prospect research, information analysis, and relationship management
to act as a central source of information about prospect research, information analysis, and relationship
management
to advance professionalism in the field of prospect research, information analysis, and relationship management
Our members are diverse, ranging from individuals who work exclusively in these fields to individuals who are responsible
for all aspects of development work.
Professional Development Lectures
APRA-MD holds several virtual seminars/lectures
annually. Most of these are free for members (bring your own lunch) and are usually held from 12 to 2 p.m. The
meeting format combines networking with a formal presentation, which allows members and visitors to learn about new products,
share ideas and information, and assist with problem solving in settings that stimulate interest in advancement.
Most meetings take place in the Baltimore area, but we are open to meeting in other areas of Maryland. We have met at the
American Cancer Society, Baltimore Community Foundation, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Enoch Pratt Free Library,
Enterprise Community Partners, The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute,
Loyola College in Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art, MedStar Health, Sheppard Pratt, University of Baltimore,
and University of Maryland College Park.
APRA-MD is one of the sponsors of the Mid-Atlantic Researchers Conference, a two- to three-day conference that is held
annually at various institutions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. MARC features pre-conference workshops, plenary
and breakout sessions geared toward new and experienced development researchers. APRA-MD also organizes and hosts its own annual
one-day conference.
Mentoring Program
APRA-MD participates in the APRA mentoring program. If you are new to the development
research field, we can match you to a more experienced researcher who can guide
and advise you.
Scholarships
APRA-MD offers partial scholarships toward fund
raising and nonprofit management programs at the College of
Notre Dame of Maryland. You may also apply grant monies
toward the cost of the APRA International annual conference or the Mid-Atlantic Research Conference (MARC).
