Professional Development A Required Investment

I have been advocating professional development since I attended by first Apra Conference back in 1996.  It was transformational as a new researcher and new to the field of fundraising.  Now 22 years later I am still advocating for this investment line to be in every non-profit's budget.  I may be "preaching to the choir" with this group but championing this important resource is a must.  No other field of fundraising has transformed as much as prospect development.  To keep up with all the amazing resources and tools as well as learning from our colleagues is invaluable.  
I just came back from the Apra MidWest Conference and the sessions were amazing.  There was valuable content if you were new to the profession or an "old timer" like myself!  In addtion, the energy and sharing of information between attendees was amazing to watch.  I think the thing to keep in mind is that this is not an expense.  It is an investment in furthering not only our education in being better at what we do but helping the instituations we represent achieve their goals.  To help validate why this needs to be in your budget, simply document all that you learned from either a webinar or onsite conference.  Be sure that leaders at your organization are aware of your new found knowledge and reference throughout the year how it continues to enhance your work and how it benefits the organization. 

Check out all the associations that fall in line with either your work or the type of organization your are associated with.  Apra, AASP, AFP, AHP, CASE all have great conferences - not to mention the Blackbaud conference!  Check them out and state your case!