Don't Assume!

Knowing the right questions to ask fundraisers (when they need our help) is key to building strategic partnerships. This often means checking our assumptions about what fundraisers know about portfolio management and prospect research at the door. This session takes a look at conclusions we make when asked to provide research, interpret dashboards, or build out pipelines. We will ask questions of ourselves and fundraisers: how can we think about how the information will be used? Do we have a consistent understanding of the terms we use? Do we hear the obstacles fundraisers are up against?

Amy Modin

Director of Research & Prospect Management

U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

Amy Modin serves as the Director of Research and Prospect Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Foundation, where she leads strategies that strengthen fundraising through data-informed decision-making, pipeline development, and portfolio optimization. She partners with gift officers to build effective portfolio management practices, develops systems that support fundraising success, and provides training that helps teams make strategic, relationship-centered decisions.Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Amy built her career in corporate environments, where she developed expertise in strategic planning, client relationships, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness. She brings that business-minded perspective to advancement work, combining analytical thinking with a collaborative approach to help teams achieve meaningful results.Known for her strengths in relationship building, communication, member engagement, and thoughtful problem-solving, Amy is passionate about helping organizations use data strategically while fostering collaboration and continuous learning. She is motivated by professional growth, building strong communities, and creating systems that empower people to do their best work.