Apra-IL Webinar: Prospecting Outside Major Metropolitan Areas

Apra-IL Webinar: Prospecting Outside Major Metropolitan Areas

In Illinois, much of the state's wealth, activity, and fundraising community is understandably concentrated in and around Chicago — the United States' third-largest metro area and the largest in the Midwest. While Chicagoland's 9 million residents account for more than 65% of Illinois's population, that still leaves one-third of the state residing outside its major population center — a figure that includes many colleagues from our Apra-IL community. Even though most states' dominant cities might get most attention, how does prospecting differ once you exit the major the metros?

The Apra-IL Board is pleased to present this virtual panel discussion on "downstate" prospecting. Comprising the panel will be three Illinois-based prospect research professionals who reside and support institutions located outside the Chicago area. Discussion topics will include:

• Determining what constitutes a major gift in smaller markets and metro areas...

• Specific strategies for identifying and cultivating prospects in smaller markets, and how those strategies differ from major metros...

• Working with and evaluating non-traditional wealth assets such as farm ownership when determining capacity...

...and more! Whether you are working for a non-metropolitan institution in Illinois (or in another state), or if you work for a city-based institution and frequently find yourself interfacing with prospects in rural areas, this panel webinar is for you!

Speaker Bios: 

Tom Ackerman, University of Illinois Foundation (Urbana, IL):

Adam Larck, OSF Healthcare Foundation (Peoria, IL):

Kara Mehrkens, Illinois State University (Normal, IL):