In our continuing effort to support our members, Apra Maryland is providing mentorship opportunities to help with professional and personal development. Participants will be partnered with experienced professionals in our industry who can offer guidance and support for their journey.

The Apra Maryland Mentorship Program will match mentees with mentors based on their expressed interests. We will make every effort to ensure the best matches and accommodate any changes that arise.

General information:

• Goals: To connect Apra Maryland members with experienced industry professionals who can provide support, guidance and assistance in their professional and personal development.
• Benefits: The opportunity to learn from your fellow members, open potential networks, strengthen interpersonal relationship skills, develop new skills, build your support network, and more.
• Timeframe: Six months to a year with a monthly meeting cadence. Participants can choose to extend the time period and adjust the meeting cadence as they see fit.
• Check-ins: An Apra Maryland board member will conduct periodic check-ins to make sure participants are satisfied and having a beneficial experience.

General requirements:

• Current Apra Maryland member.
• Willing to commit to the timeframe.
• Maintain professional conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Adhere to APRA International’s Statement of Ethics.

The process:

• Participants will submit applications (specifying if they wish to be a mentor or mentee).
• Mentors and mentees will be paired and contacted by an Apra Maryland representative, who will help schedule and host the initial meeting.
• During the initial meeting, mentors and mentees will get to know each other, identify their priorities for the mentorship and work out scheduling.
• Throughout the timeframe, an Apra Maryland representative will intermittently check-in with mentors and mentees.
• After the initial timeframe, mentors and mentees will be asked for their feedback on the effectiveness of the mentorship program. Mentors and mentees are free to maintain their relationships. If they so wish to do so formally, Apra Maryland can provide a written extension.

Mentor requirements:

• At least two years of direct experience in fundraising development, prospect research and management, and/or advancement services.
• Willing to share and learn from mentees.
• Provide consultation and feedback.
• Be responsive to mentees’ questions and meeting requests.

Mentee requirements:

• Willing to work with mentors’ schedule and potential constraints for meetings.

If you wish to be a mentor or mentee, please fill out the mentorship application form below and an Apra Maryland representative will be in contact. If you have questions, please email apramd@gmail.com.