Ohio Prospect Research Network upcoming events

Leveling Up: Turning Prospect Profiles Into Fundraising Strategy (November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Leveling Up: Turning Prospect Profiles Into Fundraising Strategy

Description
A prospect profile brings together useful information about a person. How can we use that information to help a gift officer decide what to do next?

This session demonstrates how AI can help researchers add evidence-based fundraising strategy to an existing profile. Using a fictional prospect and sample CRM exports, we’ll connect giving history, Contact Reports, Next Steps, Proposals, and recorded capacity to assess donor interests, engagement, and readiness.

We’ll follow the process from clarifying the research request to preparing a strategy section with a recommended next action, meeting questions, and follow-through. Along the way, we’ll distinguish documented facts from researcher interpretation, identify gaps that could change the recommendation, and discuss where human judgment remains essential.

Attendees will leave with a practical approach to creating profiles that support prospect management and donor conversations. Examples will use Slate, but the approach applies across CRM systems.

Speaker
Ryan Clement, MS, is Director of Prospect Research at the Cleveland State University. His work combines prospect research, portfolio management, and AI-assisted analysis to help development officers prioritize engagement and plan fundraising strategies. He previously served as Manager of Philanthropic Research at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Ryan holds a master’s degree in business psychology and brings a practical focus on behavior, communication, and human judgment to his work with data and AI. He is an Apra and OPRN member and presented at OPRN’s 2026 Annual Conference.

NE Ohio Duckpin Bowling at Pins Mechanical (November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

NE Ohio OPRN Regional Event

Join NE Ohio OPRN and local prospect development professionals for an evening of networking and community. Enjoy conversation, refreshments, and snacks at Pins Mechanical Co. inside 16 Bit Bar and Arcade.

We will provide appetizers and one game of Duckpin bowling. Additional games and beverages will be available for purchase.

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Pins Mechanical Co. – 16 Bit Bar and Arcade 1880 W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113

Bring a colleague! This event is free for OPRN members and anyone interested in learning more about Prospect Development.

Come and hear about the newest plans and activities for OPRN's 40th Anniversary.

Please RSVP to help us plan.

Hot Chocolate Chat (December 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Year-End Hot Chocolate Networking Chat

Take a well-deserved hot chocolate break and connect with fellow prospect development professionals. Meet colleagues from a variety of organizations, exchange ideas, and share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the year.

Feel free to wear your favorite festive sweater and join us for a fun and engaging conversation.

All are welcome!

Webinar - Keeping Your Ducks in a Row… and Your Geese, Too: Practical Prospect Management Strategies (January 20, 2027)

Wed, 20 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Keeping Your Ducks in a Row… and Your Geese, Too: Practical Prospect Management Strategies

Prospect management works best when it’s both structured and flexible. In this session, we’ll talk through practical approaches to managing prospect portfolios, proposal strategy, metrics, and data integrity—while acknowledging the realities and pressures faced by frontline fundraisers. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s clarity, alignment, and momentum. Attendees will leave with ideas they can apply immediately to keep prospects moving forward and teams working together more effectively.

Presenter: Elise Martin

Associate Director, Prospect Development at Miami University

Elise has over 10 years of experience in advancement fundraising and prospect management within higher education. She currently works in prospect management, where she partners closely with development officers to support portfolio strategy, proposal tracking, and metric reporting. Elise holds an MBA from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and brings a practical, collaborative approach to prospect management—focused on helping teams stay organized, aligned, and effective.