Bulgaria hosts international conference on fundraising in challenging times

An international conference on fundraising in challenging times will take place in Bulgaria for the first time this June, with EFA a partner of the event.

Fundraising in Challenging Times takes place from 9am on 5 June Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel in Bulgaria. The event is initiated by the Fundraising Club Bulgaria and organized by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law in partnership with EFA and with the financial support of the European Union and the America for Bulgaria Foundation.

Speaking about the conference, Neli Kocheva, Head of Development at Teach For Bulgaria and member of Fundraising Club Bulgaria said:

“The upcoming Fundraising in Challenging Times conference is an essential opportunity for professionals from both the NGO sector and socially responsible businesses to come together, learn from international speakers, and share local success stories and best practices in sustainable fundraising and meaningful giving.

“In a world full of challenges, it’s more important than ever to collaborate and discuss how we can continue to add value to society. This conference will provide invaluable insights from global experts on effective fundraising in tough times. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives, build meaningful partnerships, and leave with actionable strategies to navigate these challenges and create lasting impact.” 

Taking place in English as well as Bulgarian, and providing networking opportunities alongside the programme of sessions, international participants are encouraged to attend, as well as fundraising professionals and grassroots organizations from Bulgaria, Central and Eastern Europe.

The conference programme

The programme will combine general panel presentations and parallel discussions focusing on:

Opportunities and threats for philanthropy now 

• Social and environmental impact of giving in CEE countries

• The power of cross-sectoral partnerships

• Inspiring approaches to raise funds for difficult causes and overcome the challenges

 Digital mobilization for democracy 

• Contemporary digital platforms, models and innovations supporting CSOs in crowdfunding, networking and capacity building

• Branding and building flexible fundraising strategies for better donor engagement

• Campaigning and storytelling for difficult causes

Fundraising & mobilization of local communities  

• Effective fundraising for watchdog activities

• Engaging major donors in protecting democracy

• The power of cross-sectoral relationships and tools to implement fundraising campaigns

The power of philanthropy to solve socially important issues  

• The contemporary strategies of donor foundations to support the CSO community

• The nowadays look of corporate giving

• Inspiring showcases of Bulgarian philanthropists and fundraisers

Who’s speaking?

Speakers include:

Dilyana Maneva, deputy executive director at For Our Children Foundation and member of Fundraising Club Bulgaria commented:

“The International Fundraising conference marks a turning point for the nonprofit sector in Bulgaria. It creates an opportunity for our sector to build the skills, networks, and mindset needed for long-term success. By investing in our fundraising capacity, we are investing in our independence, our sustainability, and ultimately, in the future we want to create. I believe it will inspire a new chapter of professional growth and collaboration in the nonprofit community in the region and I am proud to stand alongside so many dedicated colleagues who are shaping a stronger, more impactful civil society.” 

The full programme, registration details and tickets are available here.

About Fundraising Club Bulgaria

The Fundraising Club Bulgaria is an informal network of experts committed to raising donations for civic causes. Its mission is to unite the community of fundraising professionals in Bulgaria, to positively influence the philanthropic environment by sharing best practice in philanthropy and volunteerism, and to promote ethical behaviour.