Genealogy is more than a personal pastime—it’s a strategic asset in the prospect researcher’s toolkit. In this session, we’ll explore how tracing family history can reveal critical relational insights, uncover hidden philanthropic patterns, and strengthen the overall quality of donor intelligence. Attendees will gain clarity on who can and should undertake genealogical research, when it is most appropriate and impactful, and why it matters within the broader context of advancement strategy. We’ll examine the natural intersections between genealogy and prospect research, including how each discipline informs and enhances the other. The session will also cover the specific types of data to pursue—such as legacy affiliations, intergenerational giving, and family networks—and introduce tools and resources that support the discovery and mapping of family trees. Whether you’re new to genealogy or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with practical insights to turn ancestry into actionable advancement outcomes.
Presenter:
Rachel Hammond
Donor Research Coordinator for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago
Rachel Hammond is the donor research coordinator for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Starting her career in advancement services at her alma mater, Hammond learned the importance of donor cultivation, retention, and engagement as a student caller, call center manager, and advancement intern. As a student caller, she raised funds for scholarships by establishing relationships with alumni and friends of the college, instilling in her a passion for cultivation. After one year of being a student caller and securing the largest gift during the spring giving season, she was promoted to be the student call center manager, where she assigned calling pools, trained students in the calling program, and mentored them as they finished out their college careers. Learning the value of retention in this role, Hammond strived to see her college colleagues succeed just as she did and continue the legacy of the student calling program.
As the advancement intern, Hammond harnessed her passion for engagement and development as she built the in-house calling program, implemented the student philanthropy association, and learned about each role in advancement services. This experience led her to the position she holds today at Moody, where she harnesses all the skills she learned at her alma mater, as well as the ability to uncover key wealth indicators and harness her research skills to find hidden gems in the CRM.
Hammond also has a passion for serving the APRA community. She is the secretary and Communications Chair for the APRA Indiana Board of Directors and the chair of Apra International's Education and Professional Development (EPD) committee. She loves giving back to the APRA community as they have poured into her for the past three years.
