Civic Space – EFA | European Fundraising Association

Slovakia’s “Russian Law” episode: How a government tested the limits of civic space

Melanie May — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:45:43 +0000

When the fourth government of Robert Fico returned to power in late 2023, civil society in Slovakia quickly became a central political target. The confrontation that followed was structured and escalating – moving from rhetoric to legislation, and from legislation to administrative pressure when the courts intervened. Eduard Marček, EFA executive director and head of the Slovak Fundraising Centre, reports on the situation.

From its first days in office, the fourth government of Robert Fico framed a segment of Slovak NGOs – particularly those watchdogs active in anti-corruption, rule-of-law advocacy, and public policy – as politically biased and foreign-influenced. Organizations such as Transparency International Slovakia, Stop the Corruption Foundation and Via Iuris were repeatedly portrayed as actors operating “like political parties” but without public accountability. This narrative laid the groundwork for regulatory action.

The “Russian Law”

In 2024 and 2025, the coalition advanced an amendment to the NGO law with no expert discussion that soon became known domestically as the “Russian Law.” The original proposal required organizations receiving foreign funding of more than €5,000 to label themselves as “organizations with foreign support,” disclose donors publicly, and comply with expanded reporting obligations. Early drafts also considered classifying NGOs (and only NGOs, not businesses or other actors) as lobbyists. The parallels with Russian and Georgian legislation were widely noted, and international criticism swiftly followed. Under mounting pressure – including concerns raised at EU level – the government softened the terminology at the last minute, removing the explicit “foreign agent” label. Yet the core obligations remained, and Parliament passed the law in April 2025.

Civil society fights back

The proposal and ultimate adoption of the law triggered an immediate backlash. Civil society organizations coordinated across platforms, organized public protests, issued joint statements, and mobilized legal expertise to challenge the legislation. The response was unusually cohesive: NGOs formed broad coalitions, engaged European partners, and framed the issue as a constitutional matter rather than a sectoral dispute. Within days of adoption, opposition parties and the Public Defender of Rights filed a motion to the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic requesting constitutional review.

The most controversial element was the mandatory donor disclosure – with NGOs receiving significant contributions required to publish the names of donors above a €5,000 threshold. Critics argued that this endangered privacy, exposed donors to harassment, and created a chilling effect on philanthropy. Additional reporting and registry requirements also increased compliance burdens, particularly for mid-sized and smaller organizations.

Even before the Constitutional Court ruled, the political campaign translated into practice. Government-initiated financial audits targeted selected NGOs, presented publicly as evidence of systemic misuse of public funds. Yet the official audit findings revealed irregularities amounting to roughly 0.5% of the total controlled sum – hardly indicative of widespread abuse. Despite this, the narrative of suspected misconduct persisted. Within the sector, these waves of inspections and public statements were widely described as harassing and bullying – designed less to correct financial mismanagement than to intimidate and discredit non-governmental organizations.

Circumventing the Court ruling

In December 2025, the Constitutional Court struck down the law as unconstitutional, holding that mandatory donor disclosure violated privacy and fundamental rights protected under the Slovak Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling rejected the framework in its entirety, and the law formally lost effect on 4 February 2026.

The government, however, did not abandon its approach. On 18 February 2026, it adopted a new resolution – this time not a law, but an executive directive – ordering intensified oversight of NGOs across multiple state authorities. District offices, tax authorities, labour inspectors, ministries, the Public Procurement Office, and the Data Protection Authority were instructed to expand controls over NGOs’ financial management, use of public funds, labour law compliance, and GDPR adherence. Annual reports from these inspections are to be consolidated and presented to the Cabinet each October.

Rather than labelling organizations as foreign agents, the state is mobilizing existing regulatory instruments to subject NGOs to heightened scrutiny. The formal justification remains transparency and proper use of public funds.

Further undermining of the sector

Other tactics are also being used to undermine the sector, including a deliberate strategy of defunding critical areas of civil society – designed specifically to limit and weaken nature protection, human rights protection, culture, and development aid. Analysis by the Platform for Democracy with the Open Society Foundation shows that funding losses in these areas reached €16m in 2024 and 2025. These were caused by a range of state interventions from administratively excluding NGOs from eligibility for the Green Education Fund (a loss of €823,000), to blocking approximately €5m from the European LIFE program by refusing mandatory co-financing, and negative intervention in the expert committees of 513 projects by the new Arts Support Fund Council (losing €3.5m).

For many in the sector, the cumulative effect of these measures constitutes a sustained campaign of pressure – intended not only to regulate but to intimidate.

Diversifying to build resilience

At the same time, the pressure has generated an unintended consequence: rising resilience within the sector. Many organizations have accelerated diversification of revenue streams, strengthening individual fundraising to reduce dependency on state resources. Crowdfunding campaigns, small-donor programs, and community-based giving have expanded. The process is exhausting, but also empowering.

For fundraisers and philanthropy leaders across Europe, Slovakia illustrates how restrictions on civic space can unfold incrementally – through rhetoric that reframes NGOs as political adversaries, through legal experiments that probe constitutional limits, and through administrative escalation when courts intervene. The Slovak case shows how civic space can be pressured inside the European Union without formally dismantling democratic institutions, testing not only constitutional safeguards but also the resilience of activists and organizations, donor trust and independent fundraising ecosystems.

Eduard Marček

UK civil society in 2026 – resilient, resourceful, but under strain

Melanie May — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:40:21 +0000

In 2026, UK civil society remains resilient and trusted, but it is operating under mounting financial strain, heavier compliance demands and rising needs at home and abroad. The sector’s future will depend not on its capacity to endure, but on whether policymakers, funders and corporate partners commit to long-term, sustainable support rather than short-term fixes, warns Ceri Edwards, executive director of engagement at the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising and EFA president.

The real test for the coming years will be whether policymakers, funders, corporates and philanthropists move beyond short-term fixes and commit to long-term partnerships that match the scale of the challenges ahead.

In 2026, UK civil society is neither collapsing nor comfortable. It is resilient, adaptive and still deeply committed to the communities it serves – but it is also operating under sustained pressure that is reshaping what it can do, how it works, and who it can reach.

Recent analysis, including the February 2026 report from Bond on UK civic space, paints a picture of a sector navigating tightening funding, increased scrutiny and growing demand. The question is not whether civil society still exists in strength – it does – but whether the conditions around it are becoming more fragile.

A sector tested by funding shocks

The aftershocks of the USAID cuts continue to ripple through the system. The initial shock was immediate: organisations heavily reliant on US development funding were forced to close offices, reduce programmes, and scale back their geographic footprint. Those with diversified income streams – a mix of grants, individual giving, and corporate partnerships – fared better. Smaller, grassroots organisations felt the brunt.

But the bigger story in 2026 is the domino effect.

Reduced US funding influenced UK government international development spending priorities, while UN agencies – many of which relied on US contributions – tightened their own allocations. Funding agreements now often come with more stringent reporting requirements and compliance demands, increasing administrative burdens at precisely the moment organisations are trying to stretch limited resources further.

Civil society is surviving – but it is spending more time proving impact than delivering it.

Domestic pressures mirror global ones

While international NGOs recalibrate, UK-based charities are facing parallel strains at home. The cost-of-living crisis may no longer dominate headlines in the same way, but its effects persist. Demand for food banks, mental health services, housing advice, and refugee support remains high. Climate-related emergencies and geopolitical instability continue to drive humanitarian need abroad.

Yet public giving has not risen in line with need.

This mismatch – rising demand and constrained income – is the defining tension of 2026. Civil society is increasingly asked to plug systemic gaps while operating without long-term financial certainty.

Adaptation: Philanthropy, corporates and new models

One of the most striking shifts is strategic rather than reactive. Organisations are not simply trying to “replace” lost government funding. They are rethinking how they generate income.

There is greater focus on:

Deepening relationships with philanthropists aligned with mission and values
Building meaningful corporate partnerships with socially conscious businesses
Exploring blended finance and public-private partnership models
Using existing infrastructure to develop earned-income services

However, these approaches require investment. Developing a corporate partnership or launching a social enterprise arm demands upfront capacity – specialist staff, due diligence, legal support. Larger institutions can often absorb this transition; smaller charities struggle.

Blended finance and alternative models are promising but remain unevenly accessible. Without careful policy support, there is a risk that innovation benefits the already well-resourced, widening inequalities within the sector itself.

The civic space question

Beyond funding, there is a broader issue: civic space.

Bond’s 2025–26 analysis highlights concern about the regulatory and political environment in which civil society operates. Increased compliance requirements heightened political polarisation, and public discourse that sometimes questions the legitimacy of advocacy work all contribute to a more complex landscape in which we operate.

This does not amount to a closed civic space – the UK remains a functioning democracy with a vibrant voluntary sector – but it does signal a subtle shift. Scrutiny has increased. The margin for error has narrowed. The tone of debate has hardened.

In this environment, charities are balancing service delivery with advocacy, mindful of reputation, funding relationships, and public trust.

A sector still anchored in trust

Despite these pressures, civil society retains one of its most valuable assets: public trust at a community level.

Local organisations remain embedded in the communities they serve. National charities continue to mobilise volunteers at scale. When crises hit, civil society is still among the first to respond. And this is what makes the long-term funding question so urgent.

The long view: Demand is not going down

If 2026 has made anything clear, it is that demand for civil society services will continue to rise. Climate change, conflict and migration and inequality are not short-term trends. The funding model, however, remains short-term and reactive.

The central challenge now is not simply replacing lost income. It is building sustainable, multi-year funding structures that allow organisations to plan, invest in staff, innovate responsibly, and maintain standards without being consumed by compliance.

Civil society in the UK is holding up – but it is doing so through ingenuity and sheer effort rather than structural stability.

The narrative of resilience can be comforting. It suggests adaptability, strength, perseverance.

But resilience should not be confused with sustainability.

In 2026, UK civil society is still standing, still delivering, still advocating. Yet it is navigating an increasingly complex funding ecosystem, heavier reporting demands, and rising need – all at once.

Civil society is holding up. The question is whether the system around it will hold up too.

Ceri Edwards

Main picture by Getty Images for Unsplash+

EFA European Fundraising4Democracy Tour: Call for Presentations

Eduard Marcek — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:15:10 +0000

As shrinking civic space threatens democracy across Europe, fundraisers, campaigners, and nonprofit leaders are stepping up to drive change. On 29 September 2026 (14:00-15:30 CEST), the European Fundraising Association (EFA) will host a special online edition of the European Fundraising4Democracy Tour, focusing on successful campaigns defending democratic values and freedoms.

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

Fundraising in Europe: 2025 in review, & expectations for the year ahead

Melanie May — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:40:09 +0000

As we head into a new year, we ask nine fundraising experts about the challenges and opportunities 2025 brought for fundraisers in their countries, and for their views on what 2026 will bring: both at home, and more widely across Europe.

Across Europe, the last 12 months have been challenging. Further political shifts to the right have brought attacks on civil society, democracy, and civic space – bringing greater awareness of the need for organisations to work together, and to mobilise new and greater support. At the same time, as highlighted in the 2025 European Nonprofit Pulse released last month, several ongoing issues have intensified, impacting fundraising and operations.

The economic climate has remained tough, increasing costs and service demand for many, and making it difficult to raise sufficient funds. Adding to this, last year funding cuts abounded, and several countries reported new or incoming rule changes restricting channel use, while Meta’s banning of ads on social issues caused consternation, impacting nonprofits across the EU. And, as if this wasn’t enough, recruiting and retaining sufficient fundraising staff, and managing workload have also remained key challenges.

However, 2025 also brought good news and opportunity. AI for example is now everywhere, and while issues remain, nonprofits are increasingly making use of it to ease some of the workload pressures, and to better understand and engage with audiences. Some countries also welcomed tax reforms supporting giving, while in others donations remained stable or rose, such as in Germany and Netherlands, and innovation – as seen in France – opened the doors to new ways of giving.

So let’s take a closer look: at 2025’s biggest challenges for fundraising on a country basis, at the most positive developments, and at what’s coming up in 2026 – both for countries individually and more broadly across Europe. Here are some insights from EFA members in Austria, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

“Increasing political campaigning against nonprofits in the context of public funding debates further impacted the operating environment.”

Ruth Williams, CEO, Fundraising Verband Austria

In 2025, key challenges here in Austria included rising cost pressures in service delivery, an aging donor base combined with increasing difficulty in reaching younger audiences, shortage of qualified fundraising professionals, and growing competition in online donor acquisition. Meta’s restrictions posed significant challenges, as did the new IBAN name-matching requirement. Additionally, increasing political campaigning against nonprofits in the context of public funding debates further impacted the operating environment.

More positively, overall giving remained very high, reaching €1.07 billion, with record donor participation. 79% of people aged 16 and above made a donation, reflecting strong solidarity and trust in charitable organisations. Another highly positive trend was the growing interest in legacy giving: nearly 11% of all donations in the country already come from bequests.

We also view the impact of the major nonprofit reform (2024) very positively. Since implementation, the list of tax-deductible charitable organisations maintained by the Ministry of Finance has grown by almost 1,300 organisations (+86%), significantly increasing the diversity of nonprofits able to offer tax-deductible giving.

In Austria, 2026 will see the continued implementation of the major nonprofit tax reform. Green finance and ESG-linked projects will create new partnership opportunities for NGOs, especially in renewable energy initiatives. Digitalisation remains a priority, with nonprofits trying to adopt AI tools for fundraising and donor engagement.

Across Europe, 2026 marks a transition phase for EU funding programmes as the current Multiannual Financial Framework approaches its final years, bringing new priorities for social innovation and sustainability. Nonprofits will face tighter regulations on AI governance, data protection, and accessibility standards. A proposed EU statute for cross-border associations could simplify operations for international NGOs – but is currently off the table. Fundraising trends point to multichannel strategies, automation, and ethical standards updates – especially in connection with AI.

“Nonprofits must adapt to rapid technological change and continued attacks, responding in ways that avoid victimhood while positioning themselves as credible, constructive solutions to societal needs.”

Charlotte Rydh, secretary general, Giva Sverige

Key challenges for fundraising in Sweden last year were reduced public funding across many organisations, and political calls for increased private funding – without adequate support. In response, organisations look to grow donations, corporate partnerships and philanthropic giving, requiring operational and strategic fundraising expertise. Many, however, lack the resources to invest in fundraising capacity, and/or the insights and courage among leadership to pursue long-term funding strategies. This is compounded by political narratives portraying CSOs as incompetent or fraudulent, making support harder to secure.

More positively, the government has initiated several efforts in recent years to evaluate and propose incentives to increase giving. Following a public inquiry, tax deductions for corporate gifts will be introduced from 1 January 2026. Eligibility is currently limited to gifts for academic research or social work, mirroring individual deductions, but this may change. Through our advocacy for broader inclusion, and business sector pressure to clarify sponsorship rules, the government has examined these issues in a second inquiry, to be published on 19 January.

A third inquiry, established last June, addresses private funding for the cultural sector, including the potential addition of culture as a deductible purpose, and matched giving as another incentive. Giva Sverige has been on the expert groups for each inquiry, with our proposals on matched giving and broader eligibility partially reflected.

These positive developments help to offset the challenges but again, without resources to invest in fundraising, giving incentives will fall short of their potential.

Looking ahead, nonprofits face a landscape of uncertainty and opportunity. Sweden’s September election will have major consequences on everything from public and private funding to the operating space for civil society. Globally, unresolved developments – including the war in Ukraine – raise questions about future public solidarity and the tipping points for civic mobilisation. Nonprofits must also adapt to rapid technological change and continued attacks on civil society, responding in ways that avoid victimhood while positioning themselves as credible, constructive solutions.

“Pro-democratic organisations that have invested consistently in building relationships with individual donors have not experienced a significant decline in funding.”

Andrzej Pietrucha, fundraising and marketing trainer and consultant, Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation

Two research reports published in 2025 have significantly shaped our understanding of non-grant fundraising in Poland. On the positive side, the Klon/Jawor Association’s NGO Capacity Report – published biennially – points to a steady growth in both individual and corporate giving. These sources now account, on average, for more than 25% of NGOs’ budgets, making them the second-largest income stream after public funding.

At the same time, a contrasting picture emerges from a report on donor behaviour published by the Polish crowdfunding platform pomagam.pl. This report identifies the 1.5% personal income tax designation as the dominant form of ‘philanthropy’ in Poland. However, this mechanism should not be considered philanthropy in the strict sense, as taxpayers are obliged to pay this tax anyway. The report also highlights that giving in Poland remains largely spontaneous and occasional, driven more by emotion than by long-term commitment.

Drawing on my practical experience, I would add two further observations. Despite the fact that the populist government lost power two years ago, pro-democratic organisations that have invested consistently in building relationships with individual donors have not experienced a significant decline in funding this year. We are also witnessing a growing trend of micro-donations collected at supermarket checkout points across major retail chains. While this model can generate substantial income for selected organisations, it offers very limited opportunities to build direct donor relationships beyond increased brand visibility.

“The reduction in support from USAID has led to difficult decisions, layoffs, and downsizing of important projects.”

Per Mejlænder Brynning, head of communications, Fundraising Norge

In 2025, many of our members were severely affected by cuts in aid funding, particularly the reduction in support from USAID. This has led to difficult decisions, layoffs, and downsizing of important projects. In times like these, our sense of community is truly tested.

We are also facing challenges in Norwegian politics. The government is considering stopping the delivery of physical mail to people’s home mailboxes. Direct mail is an important fundraising channel for Norwegian nonprofits, and we fear this could have major consequences if potential donors can no longer receive their letters in this way.

The same applies to telemarketing, where there is discussion about whether it should be possible to call donors from regular mobile numbers, and whether everyone calling on behalf of an organisation should be marked or labelled in the same way as fully commercial telemarketing companies.

In addition, we are concerned that the government will lower the tax deduction limit for donations to nonprofit organisations. This amount was halved in 2022, and some parties in the majority block are now considering to reduce it even further. These are issues we are now working hard to prevent, while also striving for greater understanding between politicians and the nonprofit sector, where we also keen an open mind to new incentive schemes.

Heading into 2026, these will continue to be the main challenges faced by the sector in Norway. More positively, there has been a notable increase in revenues among our members, accompanied by a growing recognition of the need for the sector to secure more sustainable financing.

“There has been a stronger push toward collaboration among organisations to reinforce the sector as a whole.”

Fernando Morón Limón, executive director, Asociación Española de Fundraising

In Spain, the most positive developments for nonprofits in 2025 were, first, a growing awareness of the need to fight disinformation, hoaxes, and fake news. The sector is investing more in training and building stronger communication skills, with better tools to connect with the public and explain their causes clearly. At the same time, there has been a stronger push toward collaboration among organisations to reinforce the sector as a whole.

On the negative side, two regulatory decisions have directly affected key fundraising channels. One is a regulation that restricts commercial phone calls; it is still unclear whether this must also be applied to nonprofit fundraising calls, but the uncertainty is already having an impact. The second is Meta’s decision to ban paid campaigns when they involve political or social content. This is already affecting digital communication and fundraising campaigns.

2026 is likely to be another difficult year due to the international sociopolitical climate. In Spain, nonprofits will need to strengthen institutional relations with political, social, and business actors, to highlight both the value of nonprofit work for society and the importance of fundraising as a tool for organisational sustainability and independence. Spain has a very loyal base of supporters, and they should become our driving force in 2026 – active advocates who help communicate the causes and the role of nonprofits more effectively to the wider public.

The major Europe-wide (and international) challenge is figuring out how to carry out communication and fundraising in an increasingly digital world, while recognising that organisations depend on large corporate platforms that set the rules and can limit both independence and core social mission. This is not something any single organisation can solve alone. It requires cooperation among nonprofits and a broader alliance across civil society.

“The momentum behind digital engagement, long-term philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration feels strong. The question now is how we build on it.”

Ceri Edwards, executive director of engagement, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and EFA president

Reflecting on the fundraising landscape, it’s clear just how much has shifted — and how much it’s still delivering — despite ongoing economic pressure and changing donor behaviour.

What’s stood out this past year is the creativity and resilience running through the charity and nonprofit sector. In the UK, we’ve seen standout moments of collective generosity, from the London Marathon raising an extraordinary £87.3m, to the Big Give Christmas Challenge reaching a record £57.4m. These moments matter — not just for the income they generate, but for what they remind us about the power of people coming together around causes they care about.

At the same time, the bigger picture is more complex. Many charities are dealing with flat or falling income, fewer regular donors, and increasing demand for services. It’s a tough combination — and a clear signal that innovation, meaningful supporter engagement, and more diversified income strategies aren’t “nice to haves”, but essentials.

The European picture in 2025 was similarly mixed, with nonprofits operating in a challenging environment shaped by rising costs, regulatory change, and pressure on civic space. And yet, many organisations are adapting — rethinking donor relationships, investing in digital, and finding new ways to stay connected to supporters in uncertain times.

For me, 2025 both challenged long-held assumptions about giving and reaffirmed something fundamental: collective action still works. Community still matters. And thoughtful innovation can unlock real impact. As we move into 2026, the momentum behind digital engagement, long-term philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration feels strong. The question now is how we build on it — and keep unlocking purpose-driven support for the communities and causes that need it most.

“AI offers opportunities to improve efficiency and engagement – but success depends on ethical reflection, team training, and adaptability.”

Anika de Groot, project coordinator, Goede Doelen Nederland

In 2025, direct marketing channels in the Netherlands faced stricter consumer protection rules. Luckily, exemptions for charities on telemarketing and field marketing were secured, but pressure on fundraising channels is rising. Civic space in the Netherlands is also under pressure, with proposed legislative changes that could restrict fundamental freedoms such as the right to protest and access to justice. The EU Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising regulation (TTPA), intended to strengthen democracy, has had unintended consequences. Major social media platforms now enforce strict rules on paid ads, some limiting nonprofit messaging to such an extent that it’s affecting freedom of expression, donor income, and supporter engagement.

Despite these challenges, the sector continues to adapt and innovate. Private giving among our members grew by 6%, and legacy income continues to rise sharply – providing long-term stability for many charities. This growth has increased demand for proper control over the settlement of bequests. For years, the Dutch Charity Association’s “Legacy Bureau” has enabled organisations to outsource this responsibility to experienced professionals, saving costs and ensuring accurate handling. These developments indicate that, even in a complex environment, individual giving remains resilient and long-term support is expanding.

Looking ahead, three priorities stand out for nonprofits: (1) stronger joint advocacy at the European level, (2) responsible adoption of AI, and (3) diversification of income streams.

New transparency rules and fast-moving technologies will shape how charities advocate and fundraise, making collaboration across Europe more critical than ever. Protecting civic space and fundamental rights remains a shared priority. Meanwhile, AI offers opportunities to improve efficiency and engagement – but success depends on ethical reflection, team training, and adaptability. Finally, senior fundraisers in the Netherlands stress that building a balanced mix of income channels is key for resilience. This requires investment in specialised skills and data, but it pays off: less dependency and risk, stronger donor relationships, and sustainable long-term growth.

“In 2026, regulation and performance will align more closely. Boards will be judged on compliance and impact together, with transparency central to building trust.”

Scott Kelley, chief operations officer, Charities Institute Ireland

2025 was a year of competing pressures for Irish fundraisers. Demand for services remained high while donor capacity tightened. Fundraisers had to work harder simply to sustain income and relevance, and costs rose sharply. The Charities Regulator’s new 2025–27 strategy raised expectations around governance, reporting and transparency. While positive for trust, these changes require time, skills and investment that smaller charities often struggle to resource.

Our Benchmark Fundraising & Data Survey provided vital context. Fundraisers account for 3.5% of staff but generate 23% of sector income — highlighting both productivity and risk. With 60% of organisations having one or no staff dedicated to CRM or reporting, high-performing teams are often operating without adequate infrastructure. In 2025, fundraising became a test of capacity as much as creativity.

A key positive shift was the maturation of data and payments. The EU’s Instant Payments Regulation enabled faster, safer euro transfers with built-in verification, reducing friction at the moment of giving. The CII Benchmark Survey also marked a step-change, providing reliable data for benchmarking income, ROI and workforce structure — strengthening the case for sustained investment in fundraising and digital capability. Additionally, professionalisation continues to advance. Demand for skilled fundraisers, data analysts and governance-aware leaders is rising, and the conversation has moved from whether to invest in fundraising to how to do so more effectively.

In 2026, regulation and performance will align more closely. Boards will be judged on compliance and impact together, with transparency central to building trust. Digital payments, mobile-first journeys and recurring giving will become standard, while talent retention will make training and development a strategic necessity. Across Europe, regulatory and digital acceleration will continue. The EU AI Act and CSRD will raise expectations around transparency, risk and measurable impact, creating opportunities for charities that can deliver credible data. Payments infrastructure will remain a quiet catalyst, reinforcing a future of fundraising built on efficiency, trust and a clearer link between donor intent and real-world impact.

“In a fracturing Europe, nonprofits are the ones that will connect people, causes, and movements.”

Michela Gaffo, president, ASSIF

In Italy, top of the challenges in 2025 were the government’s decisions on funding and budget law. Tax reforms impacted donations, and Italy’s tax-efficient giving scheme (the so-called 5×1000 or 5perthousand) was penalised with a spending cap. Moreover, choices were made to reduce funds for poverty relief, education and healthcare. Only the ‘Servizio Civile Universale’ (an official opportunity to volunteer in nonprofits in Italy or abroad with some government-provided payment) received more funds – but not enough.

Elsewhere, the rise of new technologies such as AI and its use in fundraising activities saw a broader gap developing between nonprofits, with small/medium-sized ones struggling to understand these tools and uncertain about policies.

More positively, I’d point firstly to the evolution of private philanthropy (in quantity and quality). Foundations and philanthropic organisations are working together to grow funding, increasingly through a trust-based approach. Secondly, to the rise of grassroot organisations in public opinion: enabling them to connect people more than ever and to stimulate them to mobilise and give for civil and humanitarian rights.

2026 will be a very tough year. I’m afraid we’ll see more restrictions to democratic and civic space, as well as reduced investment in social and cultural development. Nonprofits will face crucial decisions: to raise their heads and voices, grow and cooperate more than ever, or be reduced to a bare minimum. In addition, old generations of givers are declining, and new generations ask nonprofits to be more relevant in our society. Disintermediation will also rise, giving more space to grassroots organisations and nonformal movements.

More broadly across the continent, in a fracturing Europe nonprofits are the ones that will connect people, causes, and movements. It’s our role, our time.

Main picture by Pixabay

Czech Republic: nonprofits must beware the turning tide

Melanie May — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:32:32 +0000

Jana Ledvinová, CEO of the Czech Fundraising Center, reflects on the evolving role of civil society in the Czech Republic, drawing parallels between the authoritarian constraints of the 1980s and emerging pressures today. She highlights how nonprofit organizations, once restricted to ideologically aligned activities, have become independent pillars of democracy, warning against recent government measures that echo past patterns, and calling for vigilance and the active defence of civil society to ensure the hard-won independence and influence of nonprofit organisations is preserved.

I have a persistent sense of déjà vu. The language and reasoning of parts of today’s political representation increasingly remind me of the 1980s. For many of us, that is a period we either did not experience or remember only vaguely. Yet it is worth recalling – especially when old patterns of thinking about civil society are resurfacing in new forms.

Pre-1989 – the reality of living under a totalitarian regime

Before 1989, there was essentially only one official space in Czechoslovakia where civic initiatives and associations could operate: the National Front. Access, however, was limited to organisations that shared and actively promoted the values of the socialist regime. Everything else was pushed into a grey zone or outright dissent – a small, forbidden, and constantly threatened space.

The backbone of the “civil society” at that time was formed by mass organisations controlled by the state: Pioneers for children, the Socialist Youth Union for young people, and the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia for adults. Participation was de facto a prerequisite for civic engagement and often for professional advancement. Alongside these were numerous other associations – firefighters, hikers, amateur theatre groups, nature conservation groups, associations for people with disabilities, and many more. On the surface, the array of associations appeared vibrant and diverse, yet all operated under constant supervision. Secret collaborators were present in every organisation, and each association had to regularly demonstrate that it fulfilled “socialist goals and commitments.”

The totalitarian regime thus created the illusion of freedom of association. People could collaborate, strengthen local communities, maintain traditions, care for the environment, or educate younger generations – but only within strictly defined ideological boundaries. Freedom was permitted, but only insofar as it served propaganda and control.

Images from events of the association Tereza in the 1980s (https://terezanet.cz/english/)

Post-1989 – space for an independent nonprofit sector to thrive

Paradoxically, it was from this environment that a strong and dynamic civil society emerged after 1989. Suddenly, space opened for a truly independent nonprofit sector that could professionally contribute to the development of society. It became clear that nonprofit organisations were neither appendages of the state nor the market, but independent pillars of a democratic system. They can counterbalance centralising tendencies of state power, respond flexibly to people’s needs, and complement the market where it fails.

A fundamental turning point was the ability to finance activities not only from public but primarily from private sources. Fundraising brought nonprofits real freedom – the ability to decide their own direction, professionalise, and grow according to their own vision. Today, tens of thousands of nonprofit organisations demonstrate that civil society can function voluntarily and professionally, with responsibility, enthusiasm, and creativity. It has become a natural, indispensable, and often joyful part of our daily lives.

Now – an insidiously turning tide

It is all the more worrying when the current government starts systematically making life difficult for nonprofits. Proposals to introduce central registers, limit funding for so-called “political nonprofits,” mandatory transparent accounts, and other administrative hurdles strikingly echo the past.

Vaguely defined terms and deliberate ambiguity about who these measures apply to raise fears that the real aim is to silence critical voices and eliminate those who hold views different from those in power. This process is subtle and creeping. It is presented as an effort to save money, maintain order, or increase efficiency so that the public will accept it without resistance. That is precisely why it is dangerous.

This is not only about nonprofits themselves – it is about the level of freedom in society as a whole.

A time for vigilance & active defence

We must not be deceived by the “boiling frog” method. Once we become accustomed to small infringements on freedom of association, it may be too late to resist larger ones. History teaches us where the attempt to confine civil society to a single, centrally controlled ideology leads. We must not allow this path to be repeated.

Jana Ledvinová

Wave photo by Marie Pankova on Pexels

Register now for EFA’s European Fundraising4Democracy Tour

Melanie May — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:29:20 +0000

With civic freedoms under increasing pressure across Europe, EFA is holding the European Fundraising4Democracy Tour next week (18 September). The online event will spotlight real campaigns that show how fundraising, crowdfunding, and public mobilisation are defending democracy, and how to adapt these approaches in your own work.

The Tour is an unmissable opportunity to hear inspiring real-world examples of how nonprofits are confronting the threats and mobilising support, and to gain new strategies to implement in your own organisation.

Key details

When: 18 September

Time: 14.00-16.00 CEST

Where: Zoom

Cost: €49

Who it’s for: Fundraisers, campaigners, nonprofit leaders, and civic innovators across Europe and beyond.

The event will provide:

7-10-minute lightning case studies from across Europe – concentrated, practical, and immediately usable.
Tactics to rally supporters, raise funds, and build momentum under challenging conditions.
Connections with peers working at the intersection of fundraising, advocacy, and civic action.

Presentations include:

Beyond Digital Fundraising: Building Power Online That Creates Change — Paul de Gregorio (Rally, GB)
Fundraising in the Face of Intimidation — Russell Harvey (Greenpeace International, GB)
Small Foundation, Big Impact: Crowdfunding for Civic Regeneration & Local Democracy — Valeria Vitali (Rete del Dono, IT)
Crowdfunding for Democracy — Zuzana Suchová (Donio, SK)
From Stigma To Support: How Polish NGOs Mobilized Donors Against The Odds — Andrzej Pietrucha (Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation, PL)

Eduard Marček, EFA’s executive director said:

“Democracy and civic space are under threat right across Europe. But fundraisers have the power to push back. The European Fundraising4Democracy Tour is your chance to discover proven strategies and inspiring real-world examples from across the continent. For Third Sector professionals seeking practical, effective solutions, this is a must-attend event.”

View the full programme and register here.

‘Give us space!’ urge Goede Doelen Nederland & partners in new campaign

Melanie May — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:45:20 +0000

EFA member Goede Doelen Nederland (GDN) and 14 other umbrella organizations came together on 3 July to launch a seven-point plan to protect civil society.

The campaign launched the week after the collapse of the country’s far right-led Government, which saw GDN react with guarded optimism, saying that the administration had had “far-reaching consequences for a large number of charities”.

New elections will be held on 29 October, and the new ‘Geef ons de ruimte!’ campaign, whose name translates to ‘Give us space!’, aims to secure support from whoever forms the next Government.

Alongside GDN, other partners in the campaign include the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF); cultural and creative sector groups Kunsten ’92; human rights coalition BMO; and Christian and Jewish group CIO.

The campaign strapline is ‘Samen verzetten we bergen’ (‘Together, we can move mountains’). Its website argues that the Dutch population gives time, money and energy to support these organizations and their ambitions, but that the space these organizations need to do their job is “under pressure”. It says:

“The government is increasingly taking measures that limit the scope for social initiatives. Our freedoms are no longer self-evident.”

The campaign’s seven asks of Government are:

encouraging volunteering for employees and young people;
protecting democratic rights and freedoms such as freedom of association and protest;
strengthening the tax deduction on gifts to increase giving;
allowing civil society groups to communicate with the public through post, telephone and face-to-face interactions (rather than regulating these channels further);
getting the right balance of self-regulation and external oversight of such organisations;
keeping track of the burden posed by new laws and regulations; and
Preserving and strengthening the existing Dutch Lottery and its support for good causes

The campaign launched with a full-page advertisement in newspaper Trouw, direct communication with politicians, and messaging on LinkedIn and Bluesky. An event will be held in The Hague in September.

Ensuring ‘ruimte’ (space) for the sector is also one of the five policy priorities for GDN itself, as outlined in its new policy plan for 2026-29, unveiled the week before the new, broader campaign.

The plan’s proposals for fundraising include improving public support for fundraising itself, and improving the expertise of fundraisers, as well as ensuring that charities develop their fundraising to reach broader groups of donors, in order to reduce their financial risk. The other three areas in the plan are: ensuring a positive, accurate public perception of the sector; supporting the sector to improve its leadership and innovation; and improving the sector’s digital capabilities.

Poland: Restoring the meaning of democracy

Melanie May — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:17:45 +0000

For August’s Spotlight on Civic Space, Robert Kawałko, president of the Polish Fundraising Association (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Fundraisingu) describes the situation in Poland where democracy is becoming ‘increasingly procedural’, and NGOs find themselves operating in a climate of uncertainty.

Poles share the same concerns as other Western European countries. Political polarization of society, the largest-ever wave of migrants from around the world, fears of new technologies, and difficult intergenerational dialogue – these are topics that constantly recur in conversations, social media, and public media. Add to this the three-year-long war in Ukraine and the question of whether Poland will also have to defend its independence.

Democracy in regression?

For almost a decade, Poland has remained one of the main examples of the erosion of liberal democracy in the European Union. Although the country regularly holds elections, the space for free public debate, independent institutions, and civic participation is gradually shrinking. Recent events since the 2025 presidential election shed further light on this phenomenon.

Procedural externals

Poland still meets the basic formal criteria of democracy: it holds elections, there is multi-party democracy, and society uses the internet and media freely. However, as observers note, democracy is becoming increasingly procedural – limited to electoral rituals, while weakening oversight institutions, civil rights, and real public influence on reality.

The recent presidential election, which ended with a narrow majority for the candidate supported by the right-wing opposition, sparked a wave of protests and accusations of irregularities. Although no systemic abuses were proven, the scale of mutual undermining of legitimacy and the use of conspiratorial language on both sides of the political spectrum are symptoms of a deeper crisis of trust – not only in political rivals, but in the democratic process itself. Incumbent Prime Minister Donald Tusk made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Marshal of the Sejm to prevent the swearing-in of the new president. The term “coup d’état” is used daily across all instances, and the prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the matter. In short, a war between two tribes is underway. We know this from many countries around the world. There is even a view that nations no longer exist, replaced by two warring civilizations. Institutions in chronic conflict.

The persistent conflict between the government and a president elected from a different political camp deepens the phenomenon of a “blocked state” – a situation in which institutions are unable to effectively cooperate. This blocks key reforms and increases systemic tensions. Authorities accuse each other of violating the constitution, further undermining the authority of institutions such as the Supreme Court and the National Council of the Judiciary.

The atrophy of public media and civic discourse

Public media in Poland, for years governed by the political lines of successive governments, have ceased to function as impartial sources of information. After the centrist-liberal camp took power in 2023, attempts were made to implement a “media reset,” but these actions were often as politically motivated as the previous interventions. As a result, both right-wing and liberal voters increasingly perceive the media as a propaganda arm of the party. The public’s attention is shifting to the internet, where more and more channels with millions of followers are flourishing. The tentacles of political parties do not reach there, and the fight for reach forces them to speak with greater purpose.

Meanwhile, non-governmental organizations, especially those working on human rights, climate, and migrant issues, continue to operate in a climate of uncertainty. After years of open hostility from the conservative government, they now have to cope with the lack of a long-term cooperation strategy from the new authorities and limited access to stable funding. Polish NGOs already know that if they become too close to the ruling party, they will face lean years after the change of power. Therefore, few organizations are willing to take sides. Most choose neutrality, focus on their mission, and avoid conflict.

Civil society doesn’t give up

Despite these challenges, Poland still boasts an active civil society, independent judges, vibrant digital media, and local grassroots initiatives. Democracy in Poland continues to balance between formal pluralism and an increasingly polarized, distrustful society.

The shrinking democratic space in Poland is not a spectacular decline, but a gradual degradation of trust, cooperation, and informed debate. In a world of intense polarization, fragile institutions, and the politics of conflict, democracy must regain its original meaning. Poles, like many other nations, must learn to respect differing beliefs. They must learn to create a diverse community that can work toward common goals and respect the will of the majority. Poles have always been able to unite when faced with a common enemy – this was true during wars; this was true under communism. Back then, all quarrels were secondary, and people were able to reach an understanding. Now the challenge is to make this happen in times of peace.

Picture by Natalia Gasiorowska on Unsplash

Bulgaria: repressive legislative proposals & an unstable political environment

Melanie May — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:19:36 +0000

This month, Zahari Iankov, senior legal advisor at the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, shares news of the situation for civic space in Bulgaria including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Proposal and anti-LGBT legislation, both of which impact CSOs – and how CSOs in the country are responding.

Bulgaria has been in a continuous state of political crisis since 2021, unable to produce a stable government. In October 2024 parliamentary elections were held for the seventh time in the past three years. As a result, at the beginning of 2025 a government with unclear horizons was formed.

In this unstable political environment, a growing distrust in the election process is observed with the latest parliamentary elections marked by a record low voter turnout of 38.94%. Other public participation mechanisms like the CSO consultative council to the Parliament and the Civil Society Development Council to the Council of Ministers do not function on a regular basis and face great challenges to fulfil their statutory goals.

Meanwhile political actors continuously target CSOs and the concepts of human rights and international cooperation with smear campaigns and repressive legislative proposals inspired by the authoritarian practices in Russia and Hungary.

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Proposal

A Russian-style FARA bill was proposed in Bulgaria for the first time by the far-right Revival Party in 2022. It proposes multiple restrictive measures such as stigmatizing labeling, banning activities, and imposing administrative burdens and censorship on organizations and individuals that have received funding (including in the form of goods or reimbursement of expenses) from abroad that cumulatively exceeds 1000 BGN (approx. 500 Euro) within a year.

The proposal of a FARA was announced in 2022 during a press conference together with a document presented as a “report to the prosecution” containing personal data of dozens of CSOs representatives (including their state issued PINs – strictly forbidden according to the Bulgarian Personal Data Protection Act) who have acquired funding from one of the biggest private donors operating in Bulgaria. Shortly afterwards the Data Protection Authority opened a case against the Revival Party; however, it took the DPA 3 years to issue a decision finding the political party in violation and it has refused to impose any sanctions.

Since 2022 the FARA was proposed 3 more times in different short-lived parliaments and was subject to 1 parliamentary commission and 2 plenary debates. Even though the Bill was not passed, it is constantly instrumentalized for the purposes of a smear campaigns against the CSOs.

Anti-LGBT legislation as a gateway to a wider attack against the civic space

In the beginning of August 2024, the Parliament adopted discriminatory amendments to the Pre-School and School Education Act, which prohibit the promotion or discussion of diverse and “non-traditional” sexual orientations or gender identities in schools. These changes were passed under a fast-track procedure without proper debate or public consultation.

In December 2024 another anti-LGBT legislative amendment, this time in the Child Protection Act, was proposed. It envisages a ban on access to and dissemination of any information related to gender identity and expression that does not conform to the view of sex as strictly biological in public places “which might be visited by children”. It also seeks to criminalize the provision of medical services related to gender transition for minors and to revoke licenses from social service providers who share such information. It has not been passed yet but has already been approved by several parliamentary commissions.

These anti-LGBT laws mirror legislations adopted in Hungary, Russia and Georgia where they have been utilized for a consequent wider crack down on CSOs and human rights. Similarly, after the adoption of the Pre-School and School Education Act in Bulgaria the far-right political actors used the occasion to promote the adoption of a FARA as a next necessary step to protect children, implicating that foreign funded CSOs are harmful to them. Furthermore, in late August a joint hearing of two parliamentary commissions was held to investigate a possible breach of the new law by CSOs researching the harassment in schools against LGBT students. This hearing was a direct attack against a couple of organizations and effectively a smear attack against the CSO sector.

Proposals of ad-hoc parliamentary commissions

In the beginning of 2025, a couple of political parties represented in Parliament proposed the creation of various ad-hoc parliamentary commissions to investigate foreign funding of CSOs. None of those proposals were approved, however they were deliberated in parliamentary plenaries during which a number of organizations were named and shamed by MPs. Concrete donors such as US and Swiss programs were also attacked as well as in typical Hungarian fashion – including George Soros whose philanthropy activities are actually next to nothing in Bulgaria since the country’s EU accession in 2007.

Reaction of the CSO sector

The intensified attacks in recent years have negatively impacted the CSOs’ work in Bulgaria by creating a chilling effect and shifting public opinion against transparent foreign funding and the role of the CSOs in decision making processes.

At the end of 2024, Bulgarian civil society started to mobilize itself in a nonformal coalition to react to the intensifying threats to civic space. Crucial initial initiatives included actions to increase the knowledge about the nature of the threats by reaching out to experts in Hungary and Georgia which have firsthand experience with similar developments and to draw into the push-back efforts influential business representatives who understand that deterioration of the civic space is a problem for the whole of society.

As a result, the FARA bill proposal in September 2024 was followed by dozens of negative responses filed in the parliaments, including a petition by more than 2000 people and organizations and a negative response from one of the biggest business associations in the country.

Since then, the nonformal coalition continues its work to counter repressive legislative measures, including carrying out positive campaigns about the role and achievements of the CSO organizations and promoting the established and existing transparency practices of the sector.

Picture by Emer_Iglesias on Pixabay

Think & act differently to survive in new global context, nonprofits urged

Melanie May — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:53:43 +0000

Embracing change and greater collaboration is essential for nonprofit survival in today’s climate of funding cuts and the new global narrative, but some nonprofits must also rethink their roles, attendees heard at June’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising annual conference. EFA was on the discussion panel.

Chaired by CIOF executive director of engagement and EFA president Ceri Edwards, the session saw Laurence Lepetit, EFA board member and executive director of France générosités speak alongside Willeke van Rijn, CEO of The Resource Alliance, and Keith Kibirango, CEO of New Global Markets, on the theme “Reframing aid – standing up to the cuts and a new global narrative”.

Highlighting a global context with a tendency to shrink civic space and call into question the legitimacy of some nonprofits’ and foundations’ work – as well as increased pressure on fundraising teams from economic models under strain, Lepetit, van Rijn, and Kibirango discussed how the sector can respond.

The USAID funding cuts have sent shockwaves across the sector with that money unlikely to make a return, they agreed, while the move of politics to the right sees a gradual shrinking of civic space in many countries globally. This then is a moment to reflect on what to do differently, attendees heard – and importantly, to act.

“If the funding is not coming back, we need to think about other opportunities,” said van Rijn. “This is no time to do nothing. Income diversity is essential – are we tapping into the resources that are there? The average donor in the US and France is in their 60s for example, so we’re missing whole generations – are we going to where they are?”

Kibirango highlighted a need for INGOs of the Global North to rethink their role and relevance as a sector: “Despite the cuts, for many parts of the Global South life hasn’t really changed,” he said. “Fundamentally, the vast majority are still in poverty despite the billions of dollars going to INGOs annually for years, so as a sector we also need to think about our role and relevance. Are we doing projects that others can do better and cheaper? What we can do that no one else does? How can we collaborate rather than compete?”

NGOs are not only experiencing significant cuts and obstacles to foreign aid but attacks on their legitimacy, said Lepetit, highlighting the growing trend of shrinking civic space. Across Europe, she noted, charities are losing their charitable status for being deemed too political, attacked for who they’re said to support, and seeing laws and tax incentives change to their detriment.

Collaboration across the sector, nationally and internationally, is the key to an effective response: “We need to work together to mitigate the impact and reframe the narrative,” she said. “There is great power in the day-to-day democracy within our organisations – we need to build on that.”

Key takeaways for survival in today’s global context

Build coalitions between nonprofit and philanthropic actors to “share knowledge and change narratives together,” said Lepetit, highlighting EFA’s new Fundraising4Democracy hub and upcoming European Fundraising4Democracy Tour.

Leaders need to be brave and bold, and accept change, said van Rijn: “If you are not transforming or innovating, you are dead. The challenges ahead are significant but so is the collective strength of our organizations.”

In the face of the USAID cuts, Kibirango said, it is time to think differently and look for new opportunities: including rethinking cooperation between NGOs from the North and South: “Beyond the West,” he said, “look at the East and Africa!”.