Advanced Competence Framework – revised & restructured

EFA Certification is a European framework for national fundraising qualifications that supports fundraising associations across the continent to develop qualifications that share a common core syllabus and competencies, while reflecting their own cultural, economic and geographic contexts.

The Advanced Competence Framework launched in 2022 to guide training providers in equipping fundraisers with the advanced knowledge, skills, and strategic capabilities required for leadership and management roles within fundraising organisations.

It has now been revised and updated to reflect the changes that have taken place in fundraising since its launch, including the increased awareness of equity and diversity (and power and privilege) in philanthropy and fundraising, developments in fundraising ethics, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. The Framework has also been substantially restructured to provide clearer differentiation between ‘leadership’ and ‘management’.

New supplementary material

In addition, EFA has launched Developing Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) . Developed to support the delivery of Advanced level professional fundraising education, it provides guidance on how to draft, review, and document learning outcomes in a consistent, auditable, and learner-centred way, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Eduard Marček, EFA executive director says:

“In today’s increasingly complex and demanding environment, fundraising has never been more critical to organisational success, with the need for high-quality professional development and strong leadership more pressing than ever as a result.

“Together, the updated Advanced Competence Framework and the new supplementary guide provide a robust foundation for training providers to design and deliver leadership programmes that equip fundraisers with the skills, confidence, and strategic insight they need to lead effectively, now and into the future, whilst sitting within the shared European framework of the EQF. This is essential for strengthening both the fundraising profession and fundraising standards, across national contexts and Europe as a whole.”

Webinar launch

EFA officially launched the Advanced Framework during an EFA Certification Webinar on Thursday, 19 March.

During the session, Ian MacQuillin, director of international fundraising think tank Rogare and member of the EFA Certification Committee, outlined the key updates and new components of the Framework, including alternative pathways adapted to different educational levels.

Victoria McQuaid, qualifications manager at the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising and EFA Certification committee member, introduced the new guidance: Developing Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Learning Symposium

For those influencing fundraising talent, strategy, or professional development, the EFA Learning Symposium 2026 takes place on 31 May – 1 June, in Berlin. Organised by EFA and hosted by the Deutscher Fundraising Verband (DFRV), the event will bring together Europe’s leading thinkers, educators, certification experts, and senior practitioners to address one central question: why professional fundraising education is no longer optional — but strategic. More information here.

The event is particularly relevant for organisations delivering, developing, or accrediting fundraising education programmes across Europe.

What’s new

EFA’s certification scheme – the first European qualification framework for fundraising when launched in 2007 – enables fundraising associations to develop qualifications that share a common core syllabus and competencies, while reflecting their own cultural, economic and geographic contexts. The Advanced Competence Framework was launched in 2022 and has been revised to reflect the changes that have taken place in fundraising since then, including the increased awareness of equity and diversity (and power and privilege) in philanthropy and fundraising, developments in fundraising ethics, and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

As well as being updated with new competencies and content, the Framework has been substantially restructured. A central focus is fundraising leadership with clear differentiation between ‘leadership’ and ‘management’. The Framework is intended to support existing fundraising leaders and managers, and to identify and develop the next generation – especially leaders – across all the European fundraising professions.

In addition to the updated Advanced Competence Framework, EFA is also launching “Developing Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)”. Developed to support members in creating new fundraising qualifications, it provides guidance on how to draft, review, and document learning outcomes in a consistent, auditable, and learner-centred way, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

During the session, Ian MacQuillin will outline the key updates and new components of the Framework, including alternative pathways adapted to different educational levels, and Victoria McQuaid will introduce “Developing Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)”.

Get familiar with the webinar recording and materials:

• Presentation Ian MacQuillin
• Presentation Victoria McQuaid
• Presentation Pia Tornikoski
• EFA Advanced Competence Framework
• Developing Learning Outcomes: A Practical Guide Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
• Applying for EFA Certification