In France, the Association Française des Fundraisers (AFF) has secured re-certification of its Certificat Français du Fundraising (CFF) under the Standard Competence Framework for the seventh time.

Commenting, Yaële Aferiat, director of the AFF, said the renewed certification of the programme, which is delivered in partnership with the ESSEC Philanthropy Chair, was a significant recognition of the quality and relevance of the programme at an international level, and strengthens its legitimacy within a network of leading European organisations committed to excellence in fundraising education.

She added:

“This renewal also reflects the AFF’s ongoing commitment to evolve alongside the sector. As fundraising continues to transform in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, new professional profiles are emerging. Fundraisers today need to combine strong strategic thinking with advanced relational skills, to navigate the growing role of data and technologies such as AI, and demonstrate resilience in a rapidly changing world. Throughout these changes, we remain deeply committed to placing ethics and meaningful human relationships at the core of our approach. This certification highlights both the strength of our programme in a competitive landscape and our dedication to continuous improvement.”

In Switzerland, the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) Fundraising Management has achieved re-certification for the fifth time, alongside a first-time certification of the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) Fundraising Management under the Advanced Competence Framework. The MAS programme is the only Swiss course accredited at this advanced level and is designed for professionals and managers who wish to assume responsibility in fundraising or prepare specifically for such a role. Both are delivered by the ZHAW Center for Arts Management in partnership with Swissfundraising.

The certification committee praised the Swiss Advanced programme, noting:
“Overall, the programme represents a model of excellence in advanced professional education, combining academic rigour, ethical awareness, and practical relevance. Continuous improvement through stakeholder feedback and international benchmarking further reinforces its commitment to quality and innovation.”

Prof. Dr. Leticia Labaronne, head of the Centre for Arts Management and head of the DAS and MAS Fundraising Management Programme commented on the importance of the recognition, saying:

“We are extremely proud that our fundraising programme — the only fundraising education programme in Switzerland to hold EFA accreditation — has been accredited by the European Fundraising Association since 2012. This renewed recognition of our Fundraising Diploma under the Standard Framework, together with the Fundraising Master Programme’s new certification under the distinguished Advanced Framework, reflects our long-standing commitment to excellence, innovation, and the highest international standards in fundraising education.”

EFA Certification

EFA’s Standard and Advanced frameworks define core competencies and provide structured guidance for education and practice. The EFA Certification Standard Competence Framework has been providing fundraisers with a professional qualification that is recognised both across Europe and internationally since 2007. EFA introduced the Advanced Competence Framework in 2022, which focuses specifically on the competencies and skills required for leading and managing a successful, contemporary fundraising organization.

With 14 accredited courses currently across Europe, the latest certifications reinforce the growing emphasis on high-quality, internationally benchmarked training for fundraising professionals.

Committee chair Pia Tornikoski commented:

“Fundraising as a profession varies across countries, and EFA’s Standard and Advanced Frameworks emphasise core competencies shared across the continent while allowing the flexibility to adapt programmes to national contexts.

“Reviewing the certification applications is both a rewarding task and a learning experience for committee members. I am glad that through the wide expertise of the committee we are also able to support and guide applicants during the process.”

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