SOUTHWESTERN ADVANCEMENT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION

Upcoming events

    • March 26, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

     

    Join us for a special book tour event featuring The Art and Science Approach to Fundraising Data and Research by Stephanie Willis. In this engaging conversation, Stephanie will share insights on how prospect research, data, and strategy come together to strengthen fundraising and deepen donor relationships. Whether you're a prospect development professional, fundraiser, or simply curious about the role of data in philanthropy, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can apply in your work. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers and explore how a thoughtful, data-informed approach can elevate your fundraising impact.



    Presenter: Stephanie Willis - Database Consultant, Creative Fundraising Advisors

    Stephanie is passionate about helping nonprofits understand how to effectively use data and research to enhance fundraising. She has nearly 15 years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, database management, and data analytics at both higher education and nonprofit organizations. Stephanie is the author of the book, “The Art and Science Approach to Fundraising Data and Research”, which released in February 2026.

    Stephanie has experience and/or certifications in multiple fundraising CRMs, an undergraduate degree in teaching, and a master’s degree in library science. Additionally, she is a Gallup-certified Strengths coach and enjoys helping others understand, apply, and integrate CliftonStrengths results into their lives and work. Stephanie has been an Apra member and volunteer since 2013. She is currently serving on the Apra International Board and is the President of the Apra Foundation.

    • April 09, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Industry Experience – Zheng Shi (史峥)

    Join us for lunch and fun! Prospect researchers are the unicorns of the fundraising world—rare professionals who combine data expertise, strategic thinking, and philanthropic insight. Share any current projects, tips and tricks.

    Come say hi to your fellow SWARO friends! Members and friends are welcome. It's FREE!

Past events

February 02, 2026 SWARO Business Meeting February 2026
December 17, 2025 SWARO Keynote: From Ancestors to Assets: Unearthing Connections Through Genealogy and Prospect Research
November 13, 2025 SWARO Series Knowledge Exchange: AI in Philanthropy
October 08, 2025 SWARO: Endless Summer 2025
September 17, 2025 SWARO Keynote: Modern Advancements in Prospect Development
August 07, 2025 SWARO Series Knowledge Exchange: Prospect Identification Workflows
June 26, 2025 SWARO Keynote: Cultivating Grateful Patients
May 22, 2025 SWARO Series Knowledge Exchange: Development and Business Planning
April 24, 2025 SWARO Keynote: Long Way Round: Progress, Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, and Giving Back
March 12, 2025 SWARO St. Patrick's Pot of Gold Lunch & Mingle
February 27, 2025 Part 2: Ride the Wave! How to Effectively Manage Donor Surges
January 23, 2025 SWARO Business Meeting January 2025
December 11, 2024 Crypto Gifts and the Strength of DAF Facilitation
November 12, 2024 Transform Your Organization: Strategies for Breaking Down Information Silos
October 15, 2024 SWARO Keynote: Maggie Abrego & Mackenzie Peykov "Ride the wave! How to effectively manage donor surges."
September 10, 2024 SWARO: Endless Summer 2024
March 14, 2024 SWARO St. Patrick's Day Lunch & Mingle
October 30, 2023 Halloween Prospect Therapy Brunch
September 21, 2023 SWARO Endless Summer 2023: Members & Friends Showcase & Summit
August 29, 2023 Apra PD Breakfast with SWARO!
June 15, 2023 SWARO Keynote: The Dating Game: Do you really know your prospects?
May 18, 2023 SWARO Keynote: Gregory Duke, "Leveraging Excel Formulas for Fundraising Tools"
March 16, 2023 SWARO Keynote: Evelyn Jimenez & Mandy Heath "Stepping Stones to Portfolio Development Success"
January 31, 2023 SWARO Business Meeting
December 06, 2022 SWARO Keynote: Tim Wilson, "Halfway There: Lessons from Imposter Syndrome, Launching a Podcast, Career Transitions, and Dreaming It All Up Again - A Midcareer Prospect Development Perspective"
November 17, 2022 SWARO Keynote Series: "The Three Buckets: Indentifying and Engaging Prospects" w/ Emily Tedeschi
October 11, 2022 SWARO Keynote Series: Corporate & Foundation Engagement within Higher Ed w/ Emily Irwin
September 22, 2022 SWARO Endless Summer: Members & Friends Showcase & Summit
August 18, 2022 SWARO Keynote Series: How Affinity Analysis Can Help You Identify New Prospects w/ Stephanie Brouwer
July 21, 2022 SWARO Keynote Series: T. Clay Buck, "Is Prospect Development Principled?"
June 23, 2022 SWARO Lunch Mixer
September 21, 2021 Endless Summer: Members & Friends Showcase & Summit
April 21, 2021 1st Annual SWARO Virtual Picnic!
July 31, 2019 SWARO Kick-off Happy Hour


"Southwestern Advancement Research Organization" is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. Contact us at apraswaro@gmail.com.

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