Sandra Larkin, Principal
Sandra Larkin has been a prospect research professional since 1989, when she joined the Major Gifts Office of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during its successful Campaign for the Future. From 1991 to 1994, she was a development associate at the Harvard University Development Office, as it launched a record-breaking $2.6 billion capital campaign. She founded Larkin Research Associates in 1995, and since then has provided support to more than one hundred nonprofit organizations nationwide, including independent schools, universities, hospitals, churches, human service organizations, and development consulting firms.
From 1993 to 1999, Sandra served on the board of directors of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA), a regional professional organization that provides training, conferences, and resources. She was the editor of NEDRA News, a quarterly research journal, from 1992 to 2000. Sandra is a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP), and has made presentations on development research to NEDRA, the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), and the Association of Professional Fundraisers (AFP, formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives).
In April 2005, NEDRA recognized her contributions to her colleagues by naming Sandra Larkin the winner of the fourth annual Ann Castle Award, which was presented at NEDRA's yearly conference. Created in 2001 to honor the memory of the late Ann Castle, a pioneer and leader in philanthropic research, this award acknowledges outstanding achievment in the field of prospect research, including projects, articles and other efforts which have served to promote or assist others in the field.
Sandra also serves as chair of the stewardship committee at First Congregational Church in Reading, Massachusetts. She lives in Reading with her husband and two children. Prior to her prospect research career, Sandra worked in nonprofit administration and public relations. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Emerson College in 1983.
