The Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising regulation (TTPA) came into force on 10 October 2025. To assess its impact, earlier this year EFA surveyed 170 organizations across 12 EU countries. The findings are published in the report When mission messages are blocked, causes lose reach, voice and income.

Out of the 170 organizations:

• 57.6% reported an impact on online advertising
• Among follow-up respondents, 47.0% reported a decline in online donation revenue, with 18.4% experiencing a sharp decline
• Most notably, 87.8% said the main impact concerned their freedom of expression and ability to act as NGOs

The survey indicates that these effects are interconnected, simultaneously impacting fundraising performance, supporter growth, and civic voice. Four key areas are particularly affected: fundraising, reach, advocacy and public education, and organizational behaviour.

Commenting on the findings, Laurence Lepetit, EFA vice president / EFA public affairs, said:

“The report documents a clear and damaging pattern: that enforcement mainly by META platforms linked to TTPA is not only filtering political advertising, but also suppressing legitimate nonprofit communication, fundraising and public-interest advocacy across Europe.”

Also included in the report are concrete examples from across Europe. These include a Finnish Red Cross appeal featuring a Ukrainian refugee that was blocked as political content, and a family reunification message by Comisión Española de Ayuda al Refugiado (CEAR) in Spain that was rejected on the grounds that it addressed a “social issue.”

The report brings together data, cross-country trends, and real-world cases of blocked or misclassified content. This strengthens EFA’s position in discussions with EU institutions and regulators to restore full freedom of expression and action for European public-interest organisations, in line with the European strategy for civil society.

When mission messages are blocked, causes lose reach, voice and income is available here.

This year’s programme brings together leading experts, researchers, consultants, and practitioners to discuss how we build a stronger, more effective fundraising profession in Europe.

The symposium opens with a keynote from Bill Stanczykiewicz of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. In “Philanthropy, Passion & Resilience,” Stanczykiewicz will explore how philanthropy continues to strengthen communities, improve lives, and promote justice during challenging times, while highlighting the latest findings of the Global Philanthropy Environment Index, with a special focus on Europe

A strong focus throughout the symposium is the future of fundraising education and capacity building. Giedrė Šopaitė of Baltic Fundraising Hub will present a structured, competency-based approach to assessing and developing fundraising capacity in her session “Assessing Fundraising Competencies: From Intuition to Strategic Team Development.” Drawing on Lithuania’s national programme, participants will gain practical tools for identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and aligning teams with strategic goals.

Questions around learning and professional development continue in sessions led by Nele Theuer of BIBB and Heike Kraack-Tichy of emcra. Theuer’s workshop, “Challenges And Potentials Of Education In Fundraising” will explore findings from the study “Education and Training in the German Fundraising Sector”, encouraging participants to reflect on how educational needs are changing across the profession and the developments required to meet them. Kraack-Tichy’s interactive session, “Should I Forget What I Know? Rethinking How Fundraisers Learn,” will explore the evolving demands on fundraisers and the skills, mindsets, and formats needed to stay effective in a rapidly changing world. It will also challenge traditional approaches to professional development, asking what still works — and what doesn’t.

Leadership and recruitment are also key themes. In “Who Is Leading Fundraising In A Charity? Who Is Delivering Service To Charity Clients? Recruiting Insights” Jeanette Eesmann-Foster, Zoe Oldham, and moderator Pia Tornikoski will share recruitment insights into the skills and knowledge fundraising leaders need to succeed in today’s evolving nonprofit landscape.

Finally, Mary O’Kennedy and Martin Georgi will present findings from a Europe-wide EUConsult study in “Bridging The Gap Through Learning: Aligning Consultant Skills With Nonprofit Needs,” examining how consultancy skills and training can better support nonprofit organisations in a rapidly changing environment.

If you influence fundraising talent, strategy, or professional development, this Symposium is for you, offering valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and shape the future of the sector.

Find out more and register here.

Taking place in Berlin, Germany on 31 May – 1 June and hosted by Deutscher Fundraising Verband (DFRV), this year’s symposium will combine expert presentations and structured discussions to help fundraisers turn knowledge into real-world impact. Speakers include: Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. (Indiana University), Giedrė Šopaitė (Baltic Fundraising Hub), Jeanette Eesmann-Foster (Mindwize), Heike Kraack-Tichy (DFRV), and Pia Tornikoski (VaLa).

Topics under discussion include:

• The skills and knowledge future fundraising leaders need
• The impact of professional fundraisers on organizational income
• Why education drives performance
• Barriers to professional education

Whether you’re focused on leadership, performance, or the future of learning in fundraising, this is your chance to connect, learn, and shape what comes next.

Find out more and register here.

Picture by Getty Images for Unsplash+

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

EFA is conducting the EU-wide survey to collect evidence on how the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulation and platforms’ interpretation of the regulation have affected the digital advertising activities of nonprofit organisations across Europe.

As such, the survey explores:

• Whether and where organisations observe changes in their digital advertising activities since the TTPA entered into force
• How platforms apply rules related to political or issue-based advertising
• And whether these developments have any implications for fundraising organisations

Responses will be analysed at national and European level, with results aggregated by country and sector. This will enable EFA to identify patterns and quantify impacts, and provide evidence for structured dialogue with EU institutions and digital platforms. The aim is to ensure that civil society fundraising is not unintentionally constrained, and future adjustments are informed by real operational data from across Europe.

The deadline to respond is the end of this month. Broad participation is critical to ensuring that any EU-level advocacy is grounded in robust, cross-country evidence so EFA encourages as many organisations as possible to take part. One response per organisation is sufficient, preferably completed by someone with hands-on knowledge of digital advertising.

Take part

More information can be found here, with the survey here.

Picture by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

EFA now invites fundraisers, campaigners, activists, and nonprofit professionals to share their success stories in advancing civic space and democracy. As part of our upcoming online tour, we are looking for short, engaging presentations that showcase innovative, impactful campaigns.

What we’re looking for:

• Short case studies (7–10 minutes) of successful campaigns that address shrinking civic space,
• Fundraising strategies that empower citizen-led change or defend democratic freedoms,
• Community organizing tactics, advocacy campaigns, or donor engagement efforts with civic impact.

Call for presentations is open until 30 April. Submit your idea now through this form.

EFA European Fundraising4Democracy Tour is a fast-paced showcase of 7–10 minute campaigns designed to inspire and motivate.

With civic freedoms under pressure across Europe, this event brings together leading voices from the worlds of fundraising, crowdfunding, advocacy, and activism to present short, powerful stories of campaigns that made a difference. From grassroots mobilisation to innovative donor strategies, we’ll explore how fundraising, crowdfunding, and civic engagement can help defend democratic values.

Help us spotlight the power of fundraising to protect democracy and drive civic engagement across Europe.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY 30 APRIL HERE

#Fundraising4Democracy

Attendees will learn actionable insights for navigating 2026, including:

– The most up-to-date trends influencing nonprofits across Europe

– Where organisations are struggling most — and how leaders are adapting

– How digital and AI advancements are reshaping strategy and capacity

– The emerging priorities that will define resilient, future-ready NGOs

– Practical recommendations to apply immediately as you plan the year ahead

Whether you lead fundraising, digital transformation, operations or overall strategy, this webinar will equip you with the evidence and expert perspectives needed to steer your organisation through the challenges ahead — and seize the opportunities that lie beyond them.

Key details

When: Thursday 29 January 2026

Time: 11AM CET / 10AM GMT

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join us by registering here: https://invite.salesforce.com/europeannonprofitpulsewebinar

This year’s Skillshare and Annual General Assembly/Member Workshop will be in Edinburgh, Scotland on 20 and 21 November, and is hosted by EFA member the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. The AGA and Member Workshop is open to EFA member representatives only.

About the programme

The Skillshare starts with a walking tour of Edinburgh on the evening of 20 November, followed by dinner at the Amber Restaurant – an expert in Scottish cuisine.

The next day sees the Skillshare programme kick off at 8.45am, concluding at 3.45pm. The first session of the day will see Alan Clayton, chair of Revolutionise International and author of Great Fundraising Organizations, and Annemarie Devlin, consulting director, Revolutionise International, discussing Great Fundraising and the link between having a precise and powerful purpose, a fundraising new ambition and achieving transformational growth in fundraising.

Other sessions include:

• The future of civil societies with Katerina Hadzi-Miceva Evans, European Center for Not-For-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
• Reclaiming power & purpose: Global lessons for resource mobilisation in a changing world, with Willeke van Rijn, CEO, Resource Alliance
• Mapping philanthropy in Europe: What do we really know about who gives what? with Barry Hoolwerf, executive director, ERNOP
• Banned and blocked? How to make Meta keep working for your digital fundraising, with Joshua Leigh, digital marketing and fundraising specialist, Hynt
• Shaping the future of philanthropy with AI, with Dr Marta Herrero, Director, Centre of Digital Innovation in Philanthropy and Fundraising
• New ways of giving & fundraising, with Malcolm Fleming, president, Association of Charity Lotteries in Europe (ACLEU), Emily Grint, in-memory strategist, Legacy Futures, and Zuzana Suchová, Fund Manager, Donio

In her session, Katerina Hadzi-Miceva Evans will tackle the important questions of what the new global order look like; how can civil society lead change rather than just respond; and what resources are needed to ensure its strength and sustainability. The session will also highlight current responses by the sector, and aims to inspire the fundraising community to seize the opportunity to help shape a more ambitious, resilient, and hopeful future.

Hoolwerf will present the first final conclusions of ERNOP’s Mapping Philanthropy in Europe initiative, and compare them with findings from the earlier study published in 2017. His session will also invite participants to reflect on how improved knowledge of philanthropy can inform fundraising practice and strengthen Europe’s philanthropic ecosystem.

The day also provides networking breaks and lunch.

How to book

The programme, as well as more information on the speakers and how to book, can be found here.

Once again, EFA is offering a reduced rate for additional registrations from the same organisation.

This will be the 16^th annual EFA Skillshare and AGA. Last year’s event took place in Zurich, hosted by Swissfundraising. More on that here.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Censorship solely at the discretion of Meta

As part of the European Action Plan for Democracy and in addition to the rules laid down by the Digital Services Act (DSA) on online advertising, the European Commission has set new rules on transparency in political advertising, electoral rights and party financing through the Transparency & Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) Regulation, which comes into force on 10 October 2025. The authors of the regulation did not at any point specifically target civil society publications, nor appeals for donations, advocacy campaigns and petitions, which do not fall within the scope of the regulation.

Meta’s decision to remove all ads on political and social issues is based on a broad and personal interpretation of the European TTPA regulation. This interpretation is not shared by all platforms. In its guide published on 26 September 2025, Meta clarifies its definition of ‘political and social issues’. For example, all communications on social rights, including the fight against discrimination, the fight for women’s or minority rights, the fight against climate change and the health of Europeans, will be banned from Facebook, Instagram and Meta’s other networks. Only purely informative wording might escape the group’s censorship.

This decision is incomprehensible, given that according to the text of the Regulation, the political nature of content is determined by its issuer, not by the advertising service provider.

A major impact on European civil society

It is essential for civil society organisations (CSOs) to maintain open communication with the public as one of the most important means available for effectively sharing public information and attracting members, volunteers and donors. In this regard, social media platforms are key intermediaries for CSOs.

According to EUROSTAT[1], 59% of Europeans used social media in 2023. Facebook, with over 459 million users, is the most popular social network in Europe, closely followed by Instagram, with over 311 million users.

In France, Facebook is still the leading European social network for CSOs, with 70% of the French population present on the platform and 24.5% of them subscribing to association accounts. In Sweden, 73% of nonprofit organisations responding to a Giva Sverige member survey believe that this decision will have a negative impact on their awareness-raising, advocacy, communication and fundraising activities.

At a time when CSOs are bearing the brunt of the global economic recession, increased needs among beneficiaries and sharp cuts in certain budgets, particularly international aid, this news on the eve of the end-of-year campaigns that represents a fair share of their earnings is brutal for the sector.

Preserving the digital public space

EFA and its members fully support the objectives of the TTPA regulation. Safeguarding the integrity of elections and open public debate is fundamental to democratic societies, and CSOs play a vital role in ensuring pluralism and resilience.

EFA therefore strongly condemns Meta’s attempt to use a transparency law to muzzle the nonprofit sector. As such, EFA calls on Meta to review its interpretation of the TTPA regulation, and calls on other platforms to provide proportionate support for the preservation of the integrity of elections and public debates, and the protection of freedom of expression and information.

The EU Commission is currently preparing guidelines on how the regulation should be enforced, which may provide some opportunities for nonprofits, however, there will be no obligation on platforms to implement them.

EFA calls on the Commission to publish these guidelines as soon as possible, and to bring together all stakeholders to ensure a shared interpretation of the regulation that respects everyone’s rights and complies with the principles of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (in particular Article 11: freedom of expression and information).

Eduard Marček, EFA Executive Director says: “Meta’s ban will have a major impact on the way the nonprofit community can communicate and fundraise with its audiences that cannot be overlooked. We will maintain open conversation with the EU Commission and Meta on this issue.”

~UPDATE~

Key EFA partner Philea has also expressed concern, calling on Meta to review its overly strict interpretation of the TTPA regulation, and for Meta and other platforms to preserve the integrity of public debates, and the protection of freedom of expression and information. More on that here.

The EU Commission has now published its guidelines to support the implementation of the TTPA Regulation, and these can be found here.

Main image: Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash