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Upcoming and past events are listed below.

Upcoming events

  • Share Training REPLAY: Golden BRICs: Researching Prospects in Brazil, Russia, India & China

    • 08 Mar 2012
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Amherst College, Smith House (Bliss Room), 22 Hitchcock Road, Amherst, MA
    Register

    Share Training REPLAY: Golden BRICs: Researching Prospects in Brazil, Russia, India & China (recording of 1/31/12 live webinar)

    Thursday, March 8, 2012

    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM


    Presenter: Beth Bandy, Principal, International Fundraising Intelligence

    Facilitator: Suzy Campos, Director of Advancement Research, Amherst College


    Prospects in the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India, and China – the so-called BRIC countries – are attracting more attention from fundraising offices today. With rapidly-growing economies, changing attitudes towards charities and philanthropy and more billionaires than Europe, there is rising interest in prospects from these countries – and it makes sense. Researching prospects from the BRICs can be a challenge, however: the wealth and philanthropy details researchers seek can be hard to find and often are not available in English. In this webinar, Beth Bandy will offer strategies and resources for effectively researching BRIC prospects. She will cover current philanthropy and wealth trends and discuss the kinds of individual, business, and philanthropic information available today. The webinar will also include a real-time demonstration on the use of some of the best BRIC research resources and will provide tips for navigating websites in languages other than English.


    Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided.


    Presenter Bio:

    Beth Bandy has more than a decade of international research experience, spanning six continents and nearly 30 countries. She has directed prospect research offices at two higher education institutions – including Amherst College, where she first became interested in international research – and has served the research needs of numerous foundations and nonprofits as a consultant. Beth now writes how-to guidebooks for international prospect researchers and a blog covering international research news and resources. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University’s Extension School and is pursuing master’s degree in public policy and management through the University of London.


    Directions to Amherst College:


    BY CAR FROM EAST/WEST

    Take I-90 West to (Mass Turnpike) to Exit 4 (I-91)

    Take I-91 north to exit 19 (Rte. 9)

    Take Rte. 9 east to Rte. 116 south. These roads intersect at a stoplight at the top of a hill. Turn right onto Rt. 116 south. Turn right (about .2 miles) onto Hitchcock Road. Street parking is available.


    BY CAR FROM NORTH/SOUTH

    From Western Mass take Rte. 2 east to I-91 south

    From Vermont take Rte. 7 south to Rte. 103 south to I-91 south

    Take I-91 to exit 19 from south, or exit 20 from north (you'll be on Rte. 9 east)

    Take Rt. 9 east to Rt. 116 south. These roads intersect at a stoplight at the top of a hill. Turn right onto Rt. 116 south. Turn right (about .2 miles) onto Hitchcock Road. Street parking is available.


    BY CAR FROM NORTHEAST

    Take I-95 south to I-495 south

    Take I-495 south to exit 29B (Rte. 2 west)

    Take Rte. 2 west to Rte. 202 south

    Take Rte. 202 south to Amherst Rd. in Pelham (turn right)

    Take Amherst Rd. toward Amherst. (The road changes names to Pelham Rd. and then to Main Street.)

    In downtown Amherst, turn left on South Pleasant Street. Continue for two blocks to the stoplight at the intersection with Rte. 116. Proceed straight through the light (you’ll now be on Rte. 116 south). Turn right (about .2 miles) onto Hitchcock Road. Street parking is available.

     

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  • RING: Parent Programs & Research (Massachusetts)

    • 09 Mar 2012
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Milton Academy, Wigglesworth Hall, 170 Centre Street, Milton, MA
    Register

    Regional Interest Networking Group (RING) Parent Programs & Research

    Milton Academy

    Friday, March 9, 2012
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Join us for a lively roundtable discussion for development and research professionals at independent primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities, who are responsible for parent research and/or relations. Whether you are a one-person development office or a member of a research team, this discussion will give you the opportunity to meet and learn from colleagues. Come ready to discuss useful tools, best practices and challenges for identifying, engaging, and retaining parent prospects, particularly when you have limited staff and/or budget. In order to make sure the discussion is relevant for everyone, we may break into groups according to your constituency (primary/secondary vs. higher ed) for part of the time. This is an opportunity for you to bring issues to the forefront that are challenging you in your work! Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, examples and materials to share with the group. Early registrants will be contacted before the event to gather specific discussion topics. This session is open to all who are interested. This is a great opportunity to connect with new colleagues who may become great resources and friends. Space is limited so register early! Coffee and light refreshments will be served


    Facilitator

    Cheryl Doyle, Development Research Academy, Milton Academy

    Directions to Milton Academy:

    From Boston or Logan Airport by automobile:

    Take I-93 south (Fitzgerald "Southeast" Expressway) to Exit 10, Squantum Street, Milton. Turn right at yellow blinker. Go 2/10 mile to traffic light, then bear left onto Centre Street. Milton Academy is just after the second traffic light.


    By car from the South Shore:

    Follow Route 3 north to I-93 south (Route 128 north toward Route 95) to Exit 5B. Travel north on Randolph Avenue (Route 28 north) to the fifth traffic light. (Do not turn left at the fourth traffic light where Route 28 diverges). At fifth traffic light, turn left onto Centre Street. This is Milton Academy.

     

    By car from the Massachusetts Turnpike:

    Take I-95 south (Route 128 south). When I-95 veers off to Providence, stay on 128 south (I-93 toward Braintree) to Exit 5B. Travel north on Randolph Avenue (Route 28 north) to the fifth traffic light. (Do not turn left at the fourth traffic light where Route 28 diverges). At fifth traffic light, turn left onto Centre Street. This is Milton Academy.

     

    By car from New York City via Providence:

    Take I-95 north to I-93 north toward Braintree (Route 128 south) to Exit 5B. Travel north on Randolph Avenue (Route 28 north) to the fifth traffic light. (Do not turn left at the fourth traffic light where Route 28 diverges). At fifth traffic light, turn left onto Centre Street. This is Milton Academy.

     

    From Boston by Public Transportation:

    Take the MBTA Red Line (Harvard/Ashmont) train southbound for Ashmont (not Quincy/Braintree). At Ashmont station, change for trolley marked Mattapan. Get off at the stop marked Milton. Telephone for a taxi or walk one mile south on Randolph Avenue to the intersection with Centre Street. This is Milton Academy.

     

    There will be signage on Centre St. for Wigglesworth Hall and Chapel Rd parking.



    Pricing

    NEDRA Members: Free

    Non-Members: $25

     

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  • RING: Parent Programs & Research (Connecticut)

    • 16 Mar 2012
    • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Miss Porter's School, Leila Dilworth Jones Memorial Building, 60 Main Street, Farmington, CT
    Register

    Regional Interest Networking Group (RING) Parent Programs & Research

    Miss Porter's School

    Friday, March 16, 2012
    9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

    Join us for a lively roundtable discussion for development and research professionals at independent primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities, who are responsible for parent research and/or relations. Whether you are a one-person development office or a member of a research team, this discussion will give you the opportunity to meet and learn from colleagues. Come ready to discuss useful tools, best practices and challenges for identifying, engaging, and retaining parent prospects, particularly when you have limited staff and/or budget. In order to make sure the discussion is relevant for everyone, we may break into groups according to your constituency (primary/secondary vs. higher ed) for part of the time. This is an opportunity for you to bring issues to the forefront that are challenging you in your work! Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, examples and materials to share with the group. Early registrants will be contacted before the event to gather specific discussion topics. This session is open to all who are interested. This is a great opportunity to connect with new colleagues who may become great resources and friends. Space is limited so register early! Coffee and light refreshments will be served.


    Facilitator

    Rebecca Yao, Director of Operations and Donor Relations, Miss Porter's School


    Directions to Miss Porter's School:

    Take Exit 39 from Interstate 84 (east or west). Go straight through the traffic light onto Route 4 West (Farmington Avenue). Continue through the blinking light. Turn left at the traffic light onto Main Street (Route 10 South). Continue straight through the traffic light in front of the school.


    Parking available on Garden Street beside the tennis courts, and beside the pool and squash building on Porter Road

    Pricing

    NEDRA Members: Free

    Non-Members: $25

     

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  • An Introduction to Prospect Research - In Partnership with AFP Northern New England!

    • 16 Mar 2012
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • University of New England, Portland Campus, Blewett Science Center Room 021, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME
    Register

    An Introduction to Prospect Research
    In partnership with AFP Northern New England

    Friday, March 16, 2012
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (lunch included)
    Early birds welcome! Come at 9:15 am for coffee and networking.

    Introduction to Prospect Research: Join two seasoned research professionals in an overview of the prospect research profession. They will introduce participants to the role of the researcher within a development operation. This role includes the use of publicly available sources as well as the evaluation of evidence of wealth in determining the amount of “the ask.” In performing this role, the researcher must be mindful of ethical concerns and how legal considerations impact his or her choices. All this will be discussed within the framework of a presentation on the basics of the profession and with ample time available for questions on how to construct and implement the best research solution for your organization.

    Out the Door Essentials: Beyond the Basics to Finding Wealth: Building on this morning’s overview of the research profession, this session will feature live searches with a more narrow focus. The session will focus on problem solving with approaches to finding that one critical but elusive nugget of information. Learn how to find employment information, how to craft news alerts that will bring results, and learn how to find the value of real estate holdings locally and in high market areas such as New York City. In addition, participants will learn strategies to value “toys” owned by the affluent such as art, planes, and yachts. These three aspects of determining donor information are meant to give the gift officer the tools that they can take “out the door” to meetings with prospects so they will feel confident that they understand crucial details in the cultivation and solicitation.


    Presenter Bios
    Marlisa Simonson     will become Associate Vice President of Development at the University of Hartford in March. She was previously Director of Prospect Research and Management at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. She is also a board member of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA) and the Green Street Arts Center. Prior to becoming Director in June 2007, Marlisa had spent ten years in Career Services, most recently at Wesleyan and previously at Middlebury College, her alma mater. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix-Online.


    David Sterling is the Director of Advancement Operations, Western New England College. Before joining WNEC in 2003, David served as Director of Research at the University of South Florida for seven years. Previously, he held management positions in the development offices of The George Washington University and Dartmouth College. David has presented at APRA, APRA-Florida and NEDRA meetings, and has edited and written for APRA’s Connections. He is a member of the NEDRA’s board of directors and formerly served as the organization’s treasurer. He also was a founding member of APRA-Florida and served as the chapter’s second President. David graduated from the University of Maine and the University of Rochester.


    Directions and Parking Information

    This event will take place in the Blewett Science Center, Room 021, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME

    Click here for directions to the Portland campus: http://www.une.edu/directions/

    Parking is permitted in general lots 4, 5 & 6. A printable parking permit will be e-mailed to attendees before the event.

    Pricing

    NEDRA Members $80

    Non-members $120

     

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  • Share Training LIVE: Researching and Cultivating Hedge Fund Professionals in Uncertain Times

    • 20 Mar 2012
    • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Tufts University, Advancement Office, Conference Room 151 (1st Floor) 80 George Street, Medford MA
    Register

    Share Training LIVE: Researching and Cultivating Hedge Fund Professionals in Uncertain Times

    Tuesday, March 20, 2012

    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM


    Presenter: Michele Whitney, Director of Donor Data, Research & Analytics, Robin Hood, New York, NY

    Facilitator: Amber Countis, Director of Prospect Development and Research, Tufts University


    The fast-paced and lightly regulated hedge fund industry has always posed challenges for fundraisers and prospect researchers as they sought insight into a firm’s activities, performance and compensation structure. Now, after years of explosive growth and profits, hedge fund professionals face perilously fragmented financial markets, edgy investors, and federal requirements for more transparency. What should development officers and researchers understand as they attempt to gather information, measure performance and compensation, and build relationships in this community now? Which sources can inform the process? How can frontline and research staff work collaboratively to identify and cultivate promising prospects, despite the unsettled economic climate? Sharing knowledge gleaned from her vantage point at the Robin Hood Foundation, where hedge fund professionals are the key donor constituency, Michele Whitney, Director of Donor Data, Research & Analytics at the Robin Hood Foundation, will provide context, information sources and discuss the key considerations to support your organization’s efforts.

    Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided by Tufts.

    Presenter Bio
    Michele Whitney is Director of Donor Data, Research & Analytics at the Robin Hood in New York City, where she leads several teams responsible for supporting data driven decision-making within the fundraising department. Robin Hood raises $150 million in grant-making funds each year, primarily from the hedge fund and investment banking sectors, and applies investment principles to charitable giving, supporting 240 of the most effective poverty-fighting programs in New York City. Before joining Robin Hood in 2008, Michele helped lead the 17-person Prospect Research department at Yale University, where she started in 2001. Michele is a frequent speaker at APRA events, and was a member of the 2010 APRA Conference Curriculum Committee, programming the Trends and Data Analytics tracks. Before getting started in fundraising work, Michele was a Community Producer for Hothouse Interactive in Sydney, Australia, where she built websites and managed online communities. She has a degree from Smith College.

    Directions to Tufts University
    By Public Transportation: Take the Red line to Davis Square and then bus 96 will stop on George Street.

    By Car: Directions can be found at: http://www.tufts.edu/home/maps/?p=medford. Visitor parking is available in the Tufts garage for $5 at 419 Boston Avenue. Some street parking may be available closer to 80 George on the side streets.


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  • Research Directors Forum

    • 29 Mar 2012
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • The UCONN Foundation, Inc. Conference Room C, 2390 Alumni Drive, Storrs, CT
    Register

    Research Directors Forum 

    Thursday, March 29, 2012

    9:00 AM – 11:00 AM


    Facilitators:
    Jennifer Sargent, Associate Director of Research, The UCONN Foundation, Inc.

    Jim Holzbach, Director of Research & Data Services, The UCONN Foundation, Inc.


    Come ready to participate in a lively discussion on topics such as departmental organization and benchmarking, prospect management, screenings, and partnering with fundraisers. This is a great opportunity to hear what is on the minds of others leading research departments, as well as to share best practices and ideas with colleagues.

     

    Participants are requested to bring copies of their divisional organizational chart. Early registrants will be contacted before the event to gather specific discussion topics on the minds of attendees. The Directors Forum is recommended for all those in a supervisory role (assistant directors, managers, etc.) or who are involved in departmental decision-making. Space is limited so register early! Coffee and light refreshments will be served.


    Directions

    Please visit MapQuest for directions.


    Pricing

    NEDRA Members: $50

    Non-Members: $85

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  • NEDRA 25th Anniversary Conference

    • 23 Apr 2012
    • 24 Apr 2012
    • Hotel Marlowe
    Register

    NEDRA 25th Anniversary Conference

         Celebrating 25 years of serving New England’s research community, this year’s conference will feature educational offerings in three tracks, including Research, Prospect Management & Analytics and Hot Topics & Trends; as well as a dynamic 25th Anniversary panel discussion featuring past NEDRA leaders. There will also be plenty of opportunity to network with colleagues and vendors, sharing strategies and best practices through organized roundtables and informal gatherings.

    Session speakers include development professionals with a wide range of perspectives and expertise, and sessions are designed to be of interest to new researchers and advanced professionals alike.

    This is the not-to-be-missed event for the prospect research community!

    Hotel Information:
    Hotel Marlowe
    25 Edwin H. Land Blvd.
    Cambridge, MA

    Book Online, or
    Call (800) 825-7140 and request the "NEDRA" rate

    Room Block Rate: $229 per night, plus tax

    Room rate and room block held until March 16, 2012
    Reservations after that date will be on a space available basis at the hotel’s prevailing rate.

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  • Living in the Gray Area: Understanding Wealth that Isn't Black and White

    • 08 Jun 2012
    • 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Harvard Business School, Teele Hall, 230 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02163
    Register

    Living in the Gray Area: Understanding Wealth that isn't Black and White

    Friday, June 8, 2012

    9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

    Early birds welcome! Come at 9:00 am for coffee and networking.

    Presenters

    Amy Begg, Deputy Director of Research, Harvard University
    Anne Brownlee, Director of Development Research, Harvard Medical School


    Regardless of your political affiliation, Mitt Romney’s tax returns have given researchers an inside view of the gray area of wealth. How can we take what we learn from this filing and apply the concepts to a broader prospect base? In this session we will review how to look differently at some of the tools researchers use on a regular basis. We will use individual examples to try to understand and explain what is going on “behind the curtain.” In this session we hope to explore how to develop the researcher “gut” and how to think holistically about prospects. This session is targeted for researchers who have been in the field for 2-5 plus years. Space is limited so register early! Coffee and light refreshments will be served.


    Presenter Bios

    Amy Begg is the deputy director of research at Harvard University’s Office of Alumni Affairs and Development. She is also a prospect research consultant providing services to more than thirty non-profit organizations, including schools, museums, civic and youth organizations, hospitals and religious organizations in Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the Harvard University research department, Amy was the director of research at the YMCA of Greater New York in Midtown Manhattan. Amy is a graduate of Plymouth State University where she serves on the alumni association board. She is also a member of the New England Development Researchers Association board of directors.


    Anne Brownlee is the director of development research at Harvard Medical School. Prior to joining HMS in 2011, she was assistant director of research and training manager at Harvard University’s Office of Alumni Affairs & Development where she oversaw research efforts in New York and London and worked to educate Researchers and Fundraisers on wealth and philanthropic trends. Anne previously worked in research at Brown and Brandeis Universities. She has a BA from Wellesley College and an MLS from Indiana University.


    Directions

    Parking: Free parking is available in a lot behind Teele. The entrance to the lot is a cut-through beneath the building, just to the right of the front entrance for pedestrians. If you are planning to park in the lot, please send an email to amy_begg@harvard.edu by June 1st.

     

    Public Transportation: Teele Hall is served by the 66, 70 and 86 bus lines on the T. The 86 stops in front of our building; the others have stops within a block or two. (Check www.mbta.com for details.)

     

    The office is close to “Barry’s Corner” in Allston, which is about 15-20 minutes from Harvard Square (if walking instead of taking the bus).

     

    When you arrive at Teele, please plan to check in with the security guard at the front desk. He will have directions for you to reach the conference room.


    Please visit the HBS site for additional directions and a map.

    Pricing

    NEDRA Members: $85

    Non-Members: $125

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