Day 1: Nov. 6, 2024

All times are listed in the Central Time Zone. 

Timing and order of sessions are subject to change. 

10-10:15 a.m.

Welcome
Kick off the event with a warm welcome from Apra’s President, Anne Brownlee, and Plug In to Due Diligence Chair, Jess Roberts.

10:15–11 a.m.

Developing a Due Diligence Policy Process
This practical session will guide participants through the process of creating a comprehensive due diligence policy for their organization. Courtney and Molly will cover critical components, stakeholder buy-in, and strategies for successful implementation and ongoing refinement.
Presented by:
Courtney Cutler, Due Diligence Specialist, Stanford University
Molly Johnson, Senior Director of Prospect Development, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

11:15 a.m. – noon

Tools and Techniques for Effective Due Diligence
Discover how to leverage specialized due diligence platforms and cutting-edge tools to enhance your vetting processes. Beca will explore practical techniques and share insights from the Apra Toolkit to help you efficiently assess potential donors and mitigate risks. Whether new to due diligence or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable strategies to make your due diligence practices more effective and streamlined.
Presented by:
Beca Daniel, Account Executive, Xapien
Krista Pierce, Senior Associate Director of Due Diligence Research, Tufts University

noon - 1 p.m.

Lunch

1-1:45 p.m.

Foundations of Due Diligence in Prospect Development
Explore the essential role of due diligence in prospect development with this session. Dive into Apra's Due Diligence Toolkit and discover how to effectively vet and screen potential donors to protect your organization's reputation.
Presented by:
Catherine Flaatten, Associate Vice President of Prospect Development, BWF

2-2:45 p.m.

Red Flags: Identifying and Assessing Reputational Risks and Ethical Considerations in Due Diligence
This session will focus on recognizing warning signs during the vetting process. We'll cover common financial, legal, and reputational red flags and discuss how to evaluate their significance for your organization.
Presented by:
Charles Latham, Senior Research Analyst, Principal Gifts, Duke University

Day 2: Nov. 7, 2024

10-10:45 a.m.

International and Advanced Due Diligence
This session will explore the unique challenges of conducting due diligence across international borders, including navigating diverse legal landscapes and cultural differences. Learn best practices for evaluating prospective donors from different countries, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. Gain practical insights on overcoming common obstacles and implementing effective due diligence strategies that maintain the integrity and reputation of your nonprofit on a global scale.
Presented by:
Kerry Rock, Chief Executive, Prospecting for Gold
Maria Jornet Escuer, Prospecting for Gold

11-11:45 a.m.

Cracking the Code of Due Diligence: Organizational and Collaborative Strategies That Work
This session is designed to enhance your nonprofit’s due diligence practices through strategic collaboration and policy development. Learn how to effectively work with other departments to integrate due diligence into your organization’s processes. Discover best practices for involving engaging all levels of leadership in due diligence efforts and gain insights into developing and implementing a comprehensive due diligence policy. This session will provide you with practical strategies for fostering cross-departmental cooperation and ensuring robust, organization-wide due diligence.
Presented by:
Bethany Andorfer Morley, Director of Prospect Strategy and Research, West Chester University Foundation

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Lunch

12:45-1:30 p.m.

Practical Applications of AI in Prospect Development
Discover how AI can revolutionize prospect identification, enhance stewardship and outreach efforts, and work seamlessly with your CRM system. We will discuss both predictive AI and generative AI, and how those technologies affect your work and can be leveraged to optimize your prospect development processes. Whether you're new to AI or looking to expand its application in your work, this session will equip you with actionable insights and strategies to harness AI effectively for your nonprofit's success.
Presented by:
John Sammis, Senior Vice President of Data Analytics, CCS Fundraising

1:45-2:30 p.m.

Due Diligence: Looking Ahead
This panel session will provide a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of due diligence practices. Examine the emerging trends and technologies shaping the field, including the role of artificial intelligence and other innovations. Discover how these advancements can enhance your due diligence processes and address potential challenges. Join us for an insightful discussion on the future directions of due diligence and gain practical strategies to stay ahead in an ever-changing environment.
Presented by:
Kevin Vaughn, Corporate and Foundation Relations Research Analyst, Notre Dame
Megan Tedeschi, Managing Director, Prospect Development, UNICEF USA
Michael Foote Assistant Vice President, Development Operations and Performance Dartmouth College 
Lindsey Nadeau, Vice President, Data, Insight and Campaigns, UNICEF USA