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): Tom Ackerman joined the University of Illinois Foundation in 2016 as a Prospect Development Analyst, doing prospect research and portfolio management work for various colleges and offices within the University of Illinois System. In 2020, Tom was promoted to manager in the Research and Portfolio Management team so now has a team of five dedicated PDAs that report up to him. Before joining UIF, Tom worked for Wolfram Research as a data curator for WolframAlpha. Tom has his master’s in library and information science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a bachelor’s in history from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Tom volunteers his time with CUDO Plays, the local tabletop game design competition which has run in C-U for over 10 years (part of CUDO the Champaign-Urbana Design Organization). He also enjoys playing board games, of course, as well as riding his bike, and writing for Smile Politely-the local culture blog.
Adam Larck, OSF Healthcare Foundation (Peoria, IL): Adam Larck joined the OSF HealthCare Foundation in 2019 as a Prospect Researcher, where he built the program from the ground up and now serves as the Portfolio and Prospect Development Manager, guiding a function that has become integral to the Foundation’s success. Before joining OSF, he held communication roles at TrendSetters Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., and the TimesNewspapers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in management information systems from Eastern Illinois University. Outside of his professional role, Adam serves as School Board President for Pleasant Valley School District No. 62, actively supports Excel Christian Academy, and was recently named to the 40 Leaders Under Forty Class of 2025.
Kara Mehrkens, Illinois State University (Normal, IL): Kara Mehrkens currently serves as the Director of Prospect Research & Strategy and the Director of Gift & Records at Illinois State University. She also has experience as a prospect manager at Illinois Wesleyan University. Before entering a profession in advancement, Kara was an accountant and a junior high math teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Arizona as well as a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University. Kara served as treasurer of Apra IL and currently volunteers at several agencies within her hometown.
