Perform with Excellence, Lead with Research, and Make a Difference
A highly rated speaker, Jen is on a mission to strengthen the field of prospect research. Her presentations are full of real-life examples, stories and hands-on activities. No-one falls asleep in one of her presentations! Book early to take advantage of Jen’s ability to liven up your conference and give attendees practical tactics and skills they can apply immediately.
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Monkey in the Middle: A.I. Tug of War in Fundraising Research
Thursday, Jul 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Webinar |
You’ve seen the debate play out. On one end of the rope: people convinced A.I. will upend
everything we know about research and prospect management — for better or worse. On the other end: those equally certain it is the key to unlocking capacity, insight, and impact like we’ve never had before.
And there you are in the middle — trying to do your job well.
This session is for everyone on that rope. Whether you’re skeptical, all-in, or curiously somewhere in between, join Jen Filla for a candid, peer-driven conversation about what it actually looks like to navigate A.I. in fundraising research right now — not in theory, but in practice.
We’ll explore where caution is warranted, where opportunity is being left on the table, and how professionals across the spectrum are making decisions they feel good about. No hype. No fear-mongering. Just real talk and practical ideas you can take back to your desk.
Registration Link: https://www.aprafl.org/events/monkey-in-the-middle-a-i-tug-of-war-in-fundraising-research
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PAST EVENTS
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Panel Discussion: Prospect Development Tips and Tricks
26 February 2026
Jen Filla joins fellow panelist, Aisha Maddox of Rollins College, and Jose Osorno
of University of South Carolina, to discuss Prospect Development Tips and Tricks at Apra Florida 2026 Annual Conference.
This year’s conference will highlight emerging trends, innovative strategies, and new opportunities shaping the future of Prospect Development. Attendees will gain valuable insights to enhance operations, stay ahead of organizational trends, and connect with peers and leaders from diverse institutions across Florida and beyond.
Registration Closed
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SEC Filings: Keeping it data current with or without AI
15 January 2026
Whether you are trying to present public company insider holdings in a profile or providing
routine updates on top donors and trustees, getting your prospect’s current equity holdings is not a simple matter. But it could be a lot simpler!
Join Jen Filla and Elise Lynch on the journey between the Proxy Statement and the Form 4, using AI – or not using AI. They will present some common fundraising scenarios, recommend how to present the information effectively, and demonstrate how to navigate SEC filings.
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The Prospect Research Live Challenge: Race, Vote, and Win Better Prospects with AI
11 February 2026
Are you bogged down with researching new prospects for assignment? Wish you could find
creative, new ways to identify prospects? Join Jen Filla and Will Schrepferman for an interactive prospect research challenge where YOU call the shots! We’ll race to uncover the clues to compelling new prospects, then put key decisions to a live vote: Which criteria define a best prospect? Which family foundation is the perfect fit for our scenario?
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Suspect – Prospect – Donor! Demystifying Prospect Research for Major Gift Success from Identification to Gift
28 April 2025
Whether you are managing a major gifts team or are a solo development director, prospect
research can turn the chaos of data and information into smooth processes that help you close more major gifts. In this session, you will discover how to use the right amount of research (and researcher!) at the right time to work your way through the solicitation cycle to gift.
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Presentation available $ [*Keyword: Suspect]
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Researching Insiders During Economic Volatility
Thursday, 20 March 2025
When stock market values are jumping up and down like a toddler with a tantrum, should
you be taking a different approach with prospect research? Probably! Join Jen Filla for some top tips on presenting stock information in a profile that helps prepare development officers to cultivate and solicit public company insider prospects when stock prices are volatile.
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Prospecting for Campaigns: Exploring Individual Giving Potential
28 May 2024
So, you’re planning a capital campaign. How do you figure out which individuals in your
donor base might support your campaign? Join Jen Filla for a walk through on how to evaluate your donor base for giving potential and identify the names of individual donors that can provide the support you need. She will discuss approaches for organizations with few fundraising staff to those with their own prospect research talent.
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Identifying Prospects in Your Own Database: How to Find Prospects with Linkage, Interest and Ability
05 March 2025
If you have ever struggled to identify major and planned gift prospects or simply want to
generate a solid call list to ask donors to upgrade their gift this year, join Jen Filla for a candid discussion on prospect identification. She will use the framework of linkage, interest, and ability to demonstrate how you can succeed at finding great prospects at any gift level.
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Industry Practice Review: Prospect Profiles with Jen Filla
20 February 2025
Profiles are like denim: they never go out of style, are long-lasting, and yet they trend
like fashion! Whether you are new to the profession or decades in, profiles are worth your attention. Jen Filla shares how her firm handles different profile levels, leading you through two roundtable discussions along the way. You get to connect with peers, ask questions, and share success stories.
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Hiring your first major gift officer? Leverage prospect research!
21 October 2025
Ready to hire your first major gift officer? Congratulations! Now what? Join Jen Filla to discover how to leverage your database manager and proven prospect research techniques to kick start your new gift officer’s first portfolio.
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Family Offices 101: What They Are and How They Manage Wealth
04 November 2025
As the ranks of the ultra-wealthy keep growing, family offices are on the rise. Come and discover what a family office is, how it affects philanthropy and gift capacity, and why you should care.
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Trends in Information Technology and AI
26 June 2025
Join Jen Filla for a lively discussion on how information technology is evolving with AI in
the field of research and prospect management. She will define and explain the technology currently available and then cover the trends toward company consolidation, improvements in data analysis, and the disconnect between fundraising practice and software sales.
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Career Insights
25 April 2025
Do you feel like you are constantly missing out on the latest software, technique, or skill?
Do you worry whether you should be taking coding courses or learn how to read public company financial statements or something else? Our profession is deeply impacted by information technology, which innovates and changes at a lightning fast pace, as well as wealth accumulation, which may soon include a trillionaire’s list. Join Jen Filla for a grounding talk on how to stay current when there’s too much to know and how to identify the most important skills you need for career growth.
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