Every salesperson and every fundraiser, perhaps? Even if you don't plan on parachuting out of a plane into battle or busting through the doors of an enemy compound anytime soon, there's a lot you can learn from these elite warriors.

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/how-to/marketing/2016/04/17-navy-seal-principles-salespeople-must-practice.html

Delve into the philanthropic interests of UHNW individuals through this synopsis and infographic (or to get more granular download a report done by Wealth-X and Arton Capital linked on the page):

http://www.wealthx.com/top-philanthropic-causes-ultra-wealthy/

NEDRA is pleased to take part in the #ResearchPride month blog-a-thon! NEDRA President Suzy Campos has written the following essay in celebration of the occasion.

March 2016 marks the second anniversary of Prospect Development Pride Month, a celebration of our profession inspired by Helen Brown's seminal article Coming Out.

Reflecting on the progression of the fundraising intelligence field, we have great cause to be proud. The past two decades have seen Research break out, like a caterpillar from its chrysalis, from a support/admin role to being true partners in fundraising (forgive the butterfly cliché, but I'm under the influence of the Eric Carle Museum just down the road).

The perception of our field is more professional and respected than ever before. Employers are realizing how critical we are. We're seeing it again and again – a small shop without prospect development staff recognizes the need and hires one of the many awesome consultants out there; or dips its toe by bringing on a part-time researcher. A nonprofit with a part time researcher designates a solid FTE to prospect development. Employers that have long had research are expanding the team, adding positions in prospect management, analytics and more. We are at the important meetings, we are serving on campaign committees, our input is sought on key decisions.

I firmly believe that the advocacy, education and networking provided by APRA International and its chapters have been important drivers of this progression. The number of NEDRA members is on track for a record-breaking year – a testament that this field's ranks in the nonprofit world are growing, and that our employers are investing in our professional development.

Fatherly.com recently reported on a nationwide poll of what kids want to be when they grow up. Prospect development did not make the list--unless you very liberally interpret one kid's response of "gold miner." (I know you want to see the data. Here you go.) It's not a huge surprise that kindergartners aspire to be doctors, not fundraising analysts; more worrisome is how few college and grad students are aware of this great career option. We don't even make it onto the list of "18 Awesome Career Choices College Kids Have No Idea About." Ask a roomful of us how we got into this field, and I'll bet the leading answer is "fell into it accidentally."

It's time to take advocacy to the next level. APRA is making this a priority and doubling down on it. NEDRA is doing our part as well. In April, Tim Enman (Smith College) and I will present on prospect development careers to a gathering of library school students. In May, Stacey MacDonnell (Harvard Law School) and Erin Dupuis (Merrimack College) will be giving a talk to AFP-Mass, "Prospect Research 101: So Much More Than Just Google." NEDRA welcomes your suggestions and participation to keep this initiative going.

It's clear from the abundance of passionate #ResearchPride outpourings that there is a great deal of career satisfaction in our prospect development world. We're happy and we know it. Let's clap our hands and share it with the world!

Suzy Campos

NEDRA President

This guest post on the DonorSearch blog by Jennifer Filla explores rabbit-holes in research--when to go down them and when to walk away!

http://www.donorsearch.net/prospect-research-when-to-stop-searching/

Katie Rost, a cast member of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Potomac," has stated that philanthropy is her "legacy and . . . calling." The Washington Post has called out the reality show personality as her charitable organization, The Rost Foundation, hasn't really given much of anything over the past decade or so:

http://nonprofitquarterly.org/2016/03/31/im-not-a-philanthropist-but-i-play-one-on-a-reality-show/

Listen to this podcast by Helen Brown and Elizabeth Roma for insights on researching foundations:

https://www.helenbrowngroup.com/foundation-research-a-free-tutorial/

This Blackbaud study challenges the long-held belief that election years are worse for our nonprofit organizations because of the “competition” from political campaigns.

http://www.blackbaudnews.com/press-release/blackbaud-study-uncovers-the-impact-of-political-giving-on-charitable-giving.htm

In this guest post on the iWave blog, Preeti Gill talks about the benefits of networking with folks outside your own sphere:

https://www.iwave.com/2016/03/22/2409/

Click on the image below for more information about DonorScape, GG+A's suite of prospect analysis services!

Prosecutors charge former Blackstone executive Andrew Caspersen with taking funds from charity to trade stocks in his personal account:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/prosecutors-charge-park-hill-managing-principal-in-investment-fraud-1459180880