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Fundraisers in Poland can now complete an internationally-recognised fundraising qualification, with the news that the Polish Fundraising Association’s training programme – the Certified Fundraiser Course – has been granted EFA Certification status. The course is delivered through a combination of in person and online training sessions via Zoom.
EFA Certified fundraising qualifications are now available through fundraising associations in 12 European nations. While each qualification reflects the national environment, culture and relevant regulations, they all feature a common set of fundraising competencies.
Originally modelled on the Institute of Fundraising’s Certificate in Fundraising, the certification programme gives EFA members the tools they need to develop their own national training programmes and fundraising qualifications, in conjunction with education partners.
Welcoming the news that the Polish course has been certified, Robert Kawalko, President of the Polish Fundraising Association, says:
“This move has been greeted with great enthusiasm by our students. There is a real appetite to learn and achieve. EFA Certification enables them to feel that they are a part of this international community, and to feel confident in the quality of training that we can offer them.”
Growth for the Polish fundraising community
This news comes at a pivotal moment for the Polish Fundraising Association, which has invested in enhancing its professional development and training services to meet the demand of the expanding fundraising community.
Robert Kawalko, Polish Fundraising Association
Kawalko says: “Not so long ago, the very concept that someone worked as a fundraiser in Poland was greeted with surprise. There’s far greater awareness now – people recognise why charities need to fundraise. There may not be a huge depth of understanding among the public, but it’s growing all the time and the pandemic has really accelerated that.
“Fundraisers have carried out record appeals, raising funds for urgently-needed face masks and sanitation equipment. When it came to funding new healthcare provisions, the public quickly realised that NGOs could achieve this faster and often with greater transparency and rigour than the government. That has big implications for how the public perceives fundraising.
“And within the sector, the way we fundraise has changed considerably. We can’t rely on public events in the same way, but new channels are emerging and the situation has forced organisations to focus on technology – to invest in better equipment, to learn how to broadcast, to increase their visibility and reach.”
Implications for the Polish Fundraising Association
With a focus on helping fundraising organisations operate successfully and to adapt to the fast-changing environment, the Polish Fundraising Association also supports members with information about new opportunities to raise funds including digital platforms.
Kawalko adds: “While fundraisers come to us for training, networking and practical guidance, our role is very much about helping organisations to manage their teams well, strengthening international relationships, just as much as their external ones.”
The Association also emphasises the need to look after fundraisers and to provide good working conditions and salaries.
He concludes: “We encourage fundraisers to ask be bold and ask for more. Their work is hard and they deserve to be paid decently for what they do. It’s important for them, their family and the organisations they work for and, ultimately, I’m a big believer that they will raise more money for the cause if they are treated well.”
Photo by Baim Hanif on Unsplash
