In the mid-1990s, when face-to-face (F2F) street fundraising first erupted in Austria and began its rapid trek across borders, I found myself in a peculiar role: the evangelist for a “crazy” idea. I remember standing at international conferences, explaining our methodology, only to be met with shaking heads.

“What? You stop strangers on the street, chat for a few minutes, and they just hand over their bank details to let you collect money again and again?” they would ask. “You crazy Austrians — it will never work in my country.” Even those who saw its early success were sceptical of its longevity. Three decades later, however, F2F has proven them all wrong, becoming the bedrock of global donor acquisition.

The engine of modern acquisition

Today, we aren’t fighting for the survival of F2F; we are fighting to meet the overwhelming demand for it. In many markets, F2F is the primary tool capable of delivering the high volumes of regular donors that organizations need to survive. While traditional channels face diminishing returns and digital acquisition struggles to scale, F2F continues to deliver the human connection that translates into long-term commitment.

The current challenge isn’t a lack of interest from charities; it’s a capacity crisis. Agencies and in-house programs are struggling to find enough high-quality staff to fulfil this demand. But this success is not self-sustaining — it requires a deliberate focus on the people behind the clipboards.

The antidote to “AI overflow”

Looking ahead, I am more confident in F2F today than I was years ago. We are entering an era where AI-generated content, visual fakes, and automated spam will overflow our digital lives. This “content pollution” will inevitably lead to widespread frustration and a profound crisis of trust.

In a world where you can’t be sure if the voice on the phone or the face in a video is real, the value of physical, human interaction sky-rockets. We might use AI behind the scenes to optimize campaigns, but it will never replace the fundraiser on the street or at the door. People will be relieved to have a real human interaction.

Protecting the ecosystem

However, this future isn’t just going to “happen.” To keep F2F successful, we must move beyond viewing it as a mere “technique” and see it as a human ecosystem that requires constant reinvestment. Historically, agencies and dedicated in-house programs have been the “nurseries” of our industry — investing heavily in training and building the next generation of talent. If we stop investing in the “soil” and move toward purely transactional models, the harvest will eventually fail.

Caring for the frontline

Maintaining quality starts with the well-being of our fundraisers. Our teams are on an “exhausted mission” — standing in the rain, facing rejection, and carrying the emotional weight of the world’s challenges. If we want them to inspire others, we must first inspire and support them through mentorship and stable structures.

This is where the strength of our global F2F community comes in. We are a unique breed — one that shares, cares, and learns across borders. By fostering this culture, we ensure our frontline heroes have the resilience to keep building those vital bridges. F2F hasn’t just survived the digital revolution — it is the tool that will thrive because of it.

Experience the spirit of collaboration

And it is exactly this spirit of collaboration and shared learning that continues to drive our sector forward. The 3^rd International F2F Fundraising Congress will take place on 15–17 March 2027, bringing together practitioners, innovators, and decision-makers from across the globe to exchange insights, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of face-to-face fundraising together. Find out more and register here.

About Robert Buchhaus

After completing his studies, Robert Buchhaus, who holds a doctorate in law, decided to pursue a career in fundraising to promote positive change in the world. Over the course of his diverse, decades-long career, he has personally asked over 50,000 people to provide regular support to a wide variety of organizations, worked as an internationally active fundraising consultant for various international NPOs, and established fundraising agencies (Global Fundraising Group) with partners in numerous countries; serves as managing director of agencies in Austria and Germany, and is a recognized speaker at international fundraising conferences as one of the leading specialists in face-to-face fundraising.

In 2014, he was the first in the German-speaking world to introduce tablet fundraising into face-to-face fundraising. He serves on the board of the Austrian Fundraising Association.

Greenpeace image: © Mitja Kobal, Greenpeace

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.”

In a changing and increasingly complex environment for nonprofits, fundraising is central to organizational success and sustainability. As a result, demand for high-quality professional development is growing rapidly, as fundraisers seek clear and credible pathways to build their skills, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and gain recognised qualifications that reflect the realities of modern fundraising practice.

Supporting the development of the fundraising profession is a core priority for EFA. Through its Certification programme, EFA facilitates training and formal qualifications that help fundraisers grow and excel. Earlier this year, EFA launched its revised Advanced Competence Framework. This provides a robust foundation for training providers to design courses that meet the evolving needs of fundraisers operating in a leadership or management capacity or looking to progress into such roles. Later this month, the EFA Learning Symposium (31 May – 1 June in Berlin) will bring together educators, experts, and senior fundraisers to explore what kind of education produces better fundraisers, stronger organizations, and more sustainable income.

Ahead of this, we spoke to three fundraisers about their own career journeys — how they started in fundraising, the training and opportunities they pursued, and the impact professional development has had on their work. They also share their advice for others looking to grow and succeed in fundraising.

Charley Burke, innovation and development manager, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, UK

How did you start in fundraising?
Like many professional fundraisers, I found my way into the sector through a growing awareness of the impact I wanted to have in my career. I have always been motivated by working on things that truly matter, and fundraising provides a meaningful way to contribute to positive change.

I started out in the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity marketing department where I developed a huge appreciation for the cause. My career in fundraising began through a six-month secondment managing community fundraising in Worcestershire. What began as a short-term opportunity evolved into a five-year journey.

Unlike many in the sector, I have remained with the same organization throughout my fundraising career. I now have the privilege of leading innovative income generation projects, driving forward new ideas to support and sustain our mission.

What key experiences or opportunities have helped you progress to where you are today?
A combination of practical experience, professional development, and sector engagement has been instrumental in my progression.

My background in marketing has been invaluable, equipping me with the skills to communicate compelling stories and build strong cases for support. Fundraising draws on a wide range of transferable skills, and this foundation has enabled me to engage supporters effectively and authentically. Networking and peer learning opportunities have broadened my understanding of the wider sector while allowing me to remain connected to an organization I am deeply passionate about.

Completing the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Fundraising Diploma strengthened my theoretical knowledge and deepened my understanding of the diverse skill set required to deliver excellent supporter stewardship. Importantly, my organization actively champions innovation. During my time in community fundraising, I was given the autonomy to test new ideas, learn from failure, and respond to supporter needs in an agile way. This experience has been invaluable in shaping my approach, encouraging creativity, resilience, and a supporter-focused mindset.

How has professional training in particular helped you?
Fundraising is sometimes perceived as the more accessible or “lighter” side of charity work; however, while it is dynamic and rewarding, it is underpinned by critical knowledge and professional standards.

Professional training and credentials have been essential in ensuring that my work is delivered with transparency and accountability. Gaining formal qualifications has not only deepened my understanding of best practice, but strengthened my confidence in delivering strategic and impactful fundraising initiatives.

What are your top tips for progressing a career in fundraising?

1. Stay open to unexpected opportunities A career in fundraising doesn’t always follow a straight path. Being open to secondments, side projects, or internal moves can lead to long-term growth. What starts as a short-term role can evolve into something much bigger if you’re willing to step in, learn quickly, and make an impact.
2. Build on transferable skills and purpose Fundraising thrives on skills from other disciplines, in my case marketing, communications, relationship-building. Use what you already know to tell compelling stories and connect with supporters. At the same time, stay grounded in the cause; a clear sense of purpose will shape how authentically and effectively you engage others.
3. Invest in learning, networks, and experimentation Progress comes from a mix of hands-on experience, professional training, and learning from others. Seek out development opportunities, connect with peers, and don’t be afraid to test new ideas. Innovation often comes from trying, failing, and adapting. Build resilience and keep your focus on what supporters need.

Sanna Nupponen, fundraising coordinator, Tukilinja, Finland

How did you start in fundraising?

I have worked at Tukilinja for nearly 17 years. For more than 10 of those I have been at the very heart of our organization’s purpose: processing grant applications from low-income people with disabilities and people living with long-term functional impairments. My background is in social services, so moving into fundraising from my earlier social work role at Tukilinja felt like a natural step, and I had already seen first-hand the impact that the funds raised through our fundraising efforts can make.

My current role is coordinator of fundraising and grant operations. On the grants side, I am responsible for collaborative grants that we award together with partner organizations. On the fundraising side, I work on developing our fundraising and the communications that support it as a whole. This includes both creating new fundraising approaches and strengthening existing ones. Previously, our fundraising was based solely on income from Tukilinja magazine, which was sold through telephone fundraising. My role is therefore very varied, and what matters greatly to me is that I remain closely connected to our grant work — the core of our mission, and the reason why we raise funds in the first place.

What key experiences or opportunities have helped you progress to where you are today?

I completed a specialist vocational qualification in fundraising, which gave me the opportunity to explore the field in depth and from many different angles. Most importantly, however, I have found networking with experienced professionals in the sector incredibly valuable. I have also benefitted greatly from taking an active part in the training sessions and events organised by Vastuullinen Lahjoittaminen (VaLa ry), the Finnish fundraising association.

How has professional training in particular helped you?

Professional training gave me a broad overall understanding of what fundraising is and what it can be. It also helped me build strong professional networks, both with fellow students and with trainers, and those connections have provided an excellent foundation for ongoing professional networking and development.

What are your top tips for progressing a career in fundraising?

1. Network  My single most important piece of advice would be to build connections with other fundraising professionals. I would very warmly encourage people to take part, whenever possible, in events where they can meet others working in the field. In Finland, these include, for example, VaLa’s webinars and live events.
2. Keep a close eye on the wider fundraising field, including organizations that might at first seem like “competitors”. For instance, if you work in the social and health sector, it is still very worthwhile looking at how environmental organizations approach fundraising and learning from their ideas and practices.

Ingvild Vaale Arnesen, marketing manager, Sabima, Norway

How did you start in fundraising?
My journey began with the Norwegian Cancer Society, driven by a deep personal commitment that came from my own experience of losing my mother to pancreatic cancer. As a result, I felt a profound need to contribute to cancer research and treatment. That emotional connection drew me into fundraising — it was a cause I couldn’t ignore.

My path was also shaped by a Master’s degree in business and administration, chosen for its flexibility and broad opportunities. I was always drawn to nonprofit organizations but after the Norwegian Cancer Society I first worked with Oslo’s largest film festivals, where sponsorship and partnership elements introduced me to fundraising in a different context. Now, as marketing manager at Sabima, a Norwegian NGO working to protect the environment, I have returned to charitable fundraising.

What key experiences or opportunities have helped you progress to where you are today?

My progress has been shaped by a combination of education, diverse experiences, and the courage to align my work with my passions. My business degree provided a strong foundation, while my decision to study fundraising through a programme with Fundraising Norway and Plymouth University added credibility and structure to my skills.

Networking has also played a role. and professional training has offered valuable frameworks, insights and validation, but what has mattered most is the wish to pursue work that resonates with my values. I believe passion and authenticity are equally vital and powerful driving forces. I am also a self-taught photographer. This has also been a guiding passion for many years, reminding me what is really important and a great tool for understanding myself, my surroundings and what I care deeply about.

In my work, I bring not only a strategic and operational understanding of marketing but a strong visual sensibility, shaped by my background in photography. I believe deeply in the power of visual storytelling to connect with people, and my work is driven by a commitment to fostering both personal and collective growth. For me, it’s about more than just communication — it’s about using my insights into human nature and my creative skills to inspire connection and development, whether in my work, myself or in those I work with.

How has professional training in particular helped you?
Professional training, like the fundraising programme I took with Plymouth University and Fundraising Norway, gave me a structured framework and credibility. It validated my skills and deepened my understanding of the field. That said, my career as a photographer taught me that formal training isn’t everything — passion and authenticity are just as powerful. Training provided the tools, and my diverse experiences and personal drive shaped how I use them.

What are your top tips for progressing a career in fundraising?

1. Find where you want to make a difference. Fundraising is about purpose, so identify the causes or organizations that truly resonate with you.
2. Educate yourself. If you feel you need more knowledge or skills, seek out training or program to build knowledge, credibility and confidence.
3. Bring your unique experiences with you. Fundraising is different from working with commercial brands, even if brand-building is still important. Your diverse background can be an asset, so don’t underestimate what you already know.
4. My best advice? Be patient and don’t give up on your dreams and passion. Every experience matters, and sometimes it takes time to reach your goal. Stay committed to finding the places where you can truly contribute and make a difference.

While record legacy income has been reported in Austria, Germany and the UK, in Belgium and Denmark data shows that there is still a need to develop a culture of legacy giving.

The Baromètre de la philanthropie 2026 or Barometer van de filantropie 2026, produced by King Baudouin Foundation, shows significantly fewer Belgians putting a charitable gift in their will. Of the 17% who have written a will, just 13% have included a donation. This is a “significant” drop from 23% in 2022, the report says.

Meanwhile in Denmark, a new publication by EFA member ISOBRO says that legacy income dropped by 20% to just under DKK 10m (€1.3m) between 2024 and 2025 for the 94 charities in its survey. However, total legacy income has increased from the total of DKK 7.7m in 2023, with 2024’s total likely to be a spike caused by a small number of particularly large donations in what is still a very small market overall.

By comparison, the 100 largest UK charities received nearly £2bn (€2.3bn) in legacy income last year, a figure that has grown 38% in the past five years. This is according to a new analysis (paywall) by UK charity sector publication Third Sector, which also shows that for a fifth of charities, legacy income increased by more than 100% in that period. More widely, figures for 2024 from Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford estimated total annual legacy income at £4.5bn — up 9% on the previous year.

In Austria, EFA member Fundraising Verband Austria (FVA)’s projections show that Austrians left €122m to charities via legacies in 2025 — a new national record, and more than double the figure from ten years ago.

Legacy giving now accounts for almost 12% of all charitable donations in the country, it says. The FVA also notes that more than 90% of legacy donors are single or childless.

In Germany, the 26 members of the ‘Mein Erbe tut Gutes. Das Prinzip Apfelbaum’ legacy marketing initiative received a record €148m in 2025.

Its survey, published in collaboration with EFA member Deutscher Fundraising Verband, also shows that 23% of Germans aged 50+ would now consider leaving a legacy to a charity — and that figure rises to 35% for those without children. There is a significant religious split — 22% of respondents identifying as Protestants say they would leave a gift in their will, versus 16% of Catholics.

In both Germany and Austria, animal welfare is the most popular cause for legacy gifts.

The donation platform goDonate, which is used by charities including the British Heart Foundation, World Food Programme and YMCA, analysed £30m (around €34.74m) of anonymised transaction data from 2025.

It found that 58% of one-off donations were made on mobile (versus 42% on desktop), which is up from 40% in 2024. For regular donations, the mobile giving figure grew from 61% to 67%.

Desktop gifts remain more valuable, averaging £78.59 (€91) for one-off donations and £15.47 (€18) for regular giving, compared with £43.79 and £8.96 on mobile. Gift values were broadly stable year on year, though one-off mobile donations dipped slightly.

This suggests that goDonate’s clients are faring better than many other UK charities — last month, Fundraising Europe reported that average donations in the country were dropping, with the sector having lost approximately £12.4bn in donor income in the last decade.

Digital wallets ‘reshaping donor behaviour’

The report also highlights the impact of digital wallets, saying that 49% of one-off donations in 2025 used a digital wallet, up from 45% in 2024. PayPal and Apple Pay are used far more often than Google Pay, it notes.

Average one-off card donations were £59.65. Donations via digital wallets were smaller: £38.26 with PayPal, £38.76 with Apple Pay, and £32.71 with Google Pay.

The report says that the findings show that mobile giving is now the ‘default’ option for users. Despite this, it notes, many charities “treat mobile as a simplified version of desktop”, rather than having a website optimised for mobile devices.

GoDonate’s founder and CEO Vicky Reeves comments:

“Charities must design for mobile-first giving and reduce friction during the donor journey. It also means offering digital wallets as part of the wide range of donation options supporters expect.”

The report includes a five-point checklist for charities to improve their mobile fundraising, covering areas such as mobile-first design, payment method choice and reducing friction in donation journeys.

The Fundraisinganalysen 2026, produced by Danish fundraising association ISOBRO and based on responses from 94 of its members, also shows increases in corporate and foundation income, especially for smaller charities.

Total income brought in through MobilePay, a popular mobile payment app in Denmark, grew by 79% from 2024 to 2025. The number of regular giving agreements made on MobilePay grew by 32%.

Meanwhile income through Betalingsservice, the country’s direct debit scheme, grew by just 4%. However, Betalingsservice still accounts for 57% of fundraised income, versus 20% for MobilePay. The next most common is bank transfer, accounting for 11%.

Average regular payments through the Betalingsservice and MobilePay are almost identical, each standing at roughly DKK 1,080 (€145).

Corporate contributions

The Fundraisinganalysen also shows an overall 5% rise in the amount given by companies between 2024 and 2025. There was also a 19% rise in the number of corporate donations, indicating that the value of donations has decreased.

While the value of gifts to smaller and medium-sized charities in the survey grew by 28% each last year, the corporate income of larger charities dropped by 12%.

Looking another year back, corporate income for smaller charities rose by more than 700% between 2023 and 2024. There has also been a sustained increase in the size of corporate donations to smaller charities — the figure rose from DKK 4,100 in 2023 to DKK 34,600 in 2024, before settling at DKK 32,300 in 2025.

Meanwhile, total income from foundations rose 7%, which included a 77% increase for smaller charities, and a 11% increase for larger charities, while mid-sized charities’ foundation income shrunk by 21%.

Conversion challenge

The report also reveals notable differences between cause areas in the challenge of converting one-off donors to regular givers.

It shows that 86% of nature-focused charities and 68% of international charities have a strategy for converting one-off donors to regular supporters — compared to much smaller figures for national (29%), disease (24%) and religious charities (7%).

In addition, 53% of international charities and 57% of nature charities say it has become harder, while the figure is much lower for the other three causes — close to 25% in each case.

The survey also shows a drop in legacy income, merchandise income and direct mail income. However, the number of active door-to-door and street fundraisers rose by 8% in the year, leading to a 3% increase in income.

The charities in the survey were also asked for their future priorities. They highlighted CRM investment, AI and data-driven fundraising, and digital campaign spend, alongside continued use of telemarketing and direct mail.

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.

As the industry’s leading platform in the German-speaking world, the event focuses on discussions about trends, strategies and practical solutions. Over the course of the event, around 100 speakers will present 56 workshops/panels, 6 masterclasses, and three Big Sessions, with the programme suitable for beginners, advanced participants, and experts alike — as well as an international audience thanks to DeepL Live Voice-to-Text translation. Topics include digitalization, strategy, leadership and organizational development.

Another highlight is the presentation of the German Fundraising Award on 2 June, which is receiving particular attention this year due to a record number of entries.

EFA Learning Symposium

Taking place at the same venue on Monday 1 June, and kindly hosted by DFRV, is the EFA Learning Symposium. This event brings together senior fundraisers, educators and other influencers of fundraising talent, strategy, and professional development, to discuss and shape the future of fundraising education.

Through expert presentations and structured discussions, the Symposium will examine:

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

The EFA Learning Symposium can be booked 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.