The event opened with the annual AGA and member workshop. The AGA saw EFA president Ceri Edwards – also executive director of change at the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) – voted in for a second year, and Laurence Lepetit, CEO of France générosités, elected vice president. EFA welcomed two new members to the board: Charlotte Rydh, secretary general of Giva Sverige and previously EFA president, and Giedrė Šopaitė, founder, manager & NGO consultant, Baltic Fundraising Hub; and thanked Paul Laird and Francesca Lucci who stepped down.

The state of civil society: a shrinking civic space

The Skillshare saw fundraising leaders come together across the day to share experiences, data and solutions around the theme: Fundraising for a Changing World: Power, Purpose and Possibility. Setting the scene in his welcome, EFA president Ceri Edwards noted the timeliness of the topic, with a striking 70% of members reporting challenges to civic space in a recent survey, including political attacks on CSOs, restrictive legislation, and curbs on civic freedoms. Funding is also becoming harder to find, and trust and engagement with fundraising is declining.

As a result, one big question is how both individual organisations and the sector can build resilience in this new age. Over the course of the day, some key themes emerged, including the need for new ways of thinking, and alternative models not just for fundraising, but for funding, mobilisation and collaboration. Fundraising, it’s clear, is no longer simply about raising money but defending democracy, and reclaiming power and purpose. Crucially too, support is needed from sector bodies, networks and partners to help nonprofits benefit from the opportunities that exist.

Looking at the future for civil society, Katerina Hadzi-Miceva Evans of the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law spoke about the acceleration of restrictions and attacks on civil society over the past year – in particular cuts in global aid that have impacted more than 50% of total budget and seen a fifth of organisations lose a devastating 70-100% of staff.

Examining how to respond, she said: “If the world is changing, we as organisations have to change. We need new models, strategies and networks. The external environment is challenging for all of us, but we’re less vulnerable if we come together.”

Global lessons: alternative funding models

Willeke van Rijn, Resource Alliance

Willeke van Rijn of the Resource Alliance emphasised that nonprofits in the Global Majority have long navigated many of the pressures Europe now faces, meaning we can learn from them to help move forward. With ODA (Official Development Assistance) cuts and rising authoritarianism now hitting Europe, she urged organisations to explore alternative funding streams that build independence – such as impact and social investment, which are expanding in India and Africa.

“The only way to move forward is to collaborate,” she added. “New funding streams hold lots of potential. Can we get organisations together to explore, test, and help create financial resilience?”

AI: opportunities held back by skills gaps

Technology – from AI to digital channels – also provides ways to bolster resilience. AI offers opportunities, from improved communication, to deeper audience insight, said Dr Marta Herrero, from the Centre of Digital Innovation in Philanthropy and Fundraising, “Yet currently, we’re in a state of stasis, because we don’t have enough people with the capabilities to move forward.”

A recent survey by the centre showed knowledge and skills gaps as the top barriers for 75% and 67% of charities, including at leadership level. “It’s not just about understanding how to use AI, but how to implement it safely in a nonprofit environment,” Herrero added. “We need to step back to see what we must do to help the sector, including how to support leaders to understand how to lead on this.”

Digital mobilisation: rethinking social media

Joshua Leigh, Hynt

Facebook, attendees heard, remains the world’s most widely used digital platform, and despite Meta’s recent changes, offers major opportunities for nonprofits. Keeping it working means shifting from awareness-raising to a mobilisation-first model, said Joshua Leigh, Hynt, and using the platform to build first-party data lists and values-aligned communities. Authentic, timely storytelling is key – meeting people “where they are” on social media and giving them something meaningful to do.

“It’s about working out why you exist and attracting people who share your values, and then making it easy for them to take action and keep in touch,” he explained. “Ask people first if they care, and then to do something – this will bring you email addresses, and with email no one controls that message but you.” The more authentic the story and images, the better: UK housing and homelessness charity Shelter, for example, Leigh shared, has responded to hot temperatures with posts during heatwaves on why it exists that are relevant to this situation.

Building resilient fundraising: what high-growth organisations do differently

Fundraising as a whole can be bolstered to bring in more income that strengthens organisational resilience. Alan Clayton and Annemarie Devlin of Revolutionise shared the characteristics of organisations achieving strong fundraising growth.

Great fundraising organisations, they said:

• Define the problem they’re there to solve and use that to articulate their unique purpose
• Use their purpose as the reference point for decisions, setting targets based on long-term (10-year) goals
• Recognise donors’ fundamental need to solve problems – meeting that through the art of fundraising
• Operate as two interconnected businesses (donors and fundraising / services and service) with one mission
• Lead with both rational and emotional intelligence
• Have boards that value donors, fundraising, and long-term investment

Alan Clayton, Revolutionise

“When leadership recognises that the only reason to give money is to solve a problem, fundraising accelerates, and when purpose is boss, you can get through the biggest block to fundraising, which is ego and fear,” said Clayton.

Emerging & underused income streams

Exploring and testing new ways of giving and fundraising is just as important for resilience building, and emerging and underused income streams were also discussed. Malcolm Fleming from the Association of Charity Lotteries in Europe (ACLEU) highlighted the €10bn annual potential for charity lotteries in Europe, with €1.5bn already being raised each year.

“Lotteries support a wide range of charities from small community groups to large nationals with mostly unrestricted, long-term funding – and the sum raised has been increasing year on year for the past 15 years,” he said. “People come for the prizes but stay for the charity.”

Emily Grint from Legacy Futures emphasised the scale and emotional power of in-memory giving ­– another sustainable and valuable source of income that can also be overlooked. In the past year, she said, 33% of UK adults, 30% of German adults and 14% of Dutch adults have donated in memory of a loved one, adding: “If you think in-memory giving is just a tiny proportion of the income you’re receiving, it’s probably hidden in your data because it can take so many different forms – from buying a pin badge to taking part in or running an event.”

In-memory supporters are also three times more likely to leave a legacy than standard regular givers, according to Legacy Futures research. The key to developing a relationship beyond that in-memory gift is understanding the supporter’s motivation and reflecting this meaningfully in communications.

L-R: Paul Laird. Malcolm Fleming, Emily Grint, and Zuzana Suchová

Zuzana Suchová of Donio demonstrated how crowdfunding can channel anger into solidarity, support democracy and combat misinformation. Using humour, storytelling and the 30-30-30 rule to enlist influencers’ support in multiplying voices and donations, Donio campaigns have sparked extraordinary mobilisation – such as raising €500,000 in 48 hours for independent Slovak media.

“Humour provokes emotion, and anger mobilises action. Both inspire solidarity. We can use these platforms to make a difference,” said Suchová.  

The power of data: philanthropy mapping in Europe

And let’s not forget data – another valuable tool for bolstering resilience. The European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) is soon to release Europe’s most comprehensive philanthropy mapping to date. Data on philanthropy is essential because organisations need to be evidence led, said ERNOP’s Barry Hoolwerf. It helps nonprofits stand up to scrutiny, to prove that strategies are effective, and secure buy-in. “Data on philanthropy is important for transparency and accountability, for voice, legitimacy and policy influence. Data is what any sector needs to be taken seriously, and to drive it forward,” he commented.

A sector moving forward together

And this is what 2025 Skillshare was about – supporting and moving the sector forward at a time of intense challenge and change. The day showed a wealth of opportunities – existing and emerging – from new financial models to technology, data and collaboration. It underscored too the crucial role for those supporting the sector: in raising awareness of the possibilities, and providing what nonprofits need in terms of information, training, networks and more to enable take up, and to strengthen that crucial resilience.

Thank you

An enormous thank you to this year’s speakers and participants, and to the Chartered Institute of Fundraising for hosting the event – including CEO Katie Docherty’s excellent walking tour of Edinburgh. Next year’s Skillshare and AGA will be held in Leuven, Belgium, on 19 – 20 November, kindly hosted by Fundraisers Belgium.

Delegates outside Edinburgh Castle

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

About the programme

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

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

Other sessions include:

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

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

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

The day also provides networking breaks and lunch.

How to book

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

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

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

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Fundraising professionals from across Europe gathered for the event, which was hosted by Swissfundraising, and took the theme of Shaping the Future of Fundraising in Europe: Technology, Trends & the Political Landscape.

EFA Board 2024. L-R: Paul Laird, Laurence Lepetit, Pia Tornikoski, Scott Kelley, Ceri Edwards, Paul Dalby, Ruth Williams, Larissa Probst

Day one started with EFA’s AGA, which saw Ceri Edwards, executive director of change at the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising, elected as president, taking over the helm from Charlotte Rydh who has stepped down at the completion of her term. New additions to the board are Pia Tornikoski, Secretary General for the Finnish Fundraising Association (VaLa) and Ruth Williams, CEO at Fundraising Verband Austria. More on this here.

Eva Torsson joins as executive director

It was also officially announced that Eva Torsson has been appointed as EFA’s first ever executive director. The creation of the part-time role marks a critical expansion of capacity that will support EFA in the next stage of its development, and will see Torsson working closely with the board and EFA committees to grow its work and voice – as well as the voice of its membership – across Europe.

Skillshare sessions – part 1

Hanspeter Bigler

Implementing ethical principles for fundraising

Day two saw delegates attend a full day of inspiring and informative sessions, kicking off with Swissfundraising’s Hanspeter Bigler presenting on ethical principles for responsible fundraising. He explained how Swissfundraising developed them after research revealed that while most Swiss people identified with nonprofits’ goals and missions, many had concerns over their fundraising, and specifically direct mail. Bigler shared details on their implementation, along with some of the associated challenges.

Prof. Dr Leticia Labaronne & Fabienne Schmidli

Advancing the fundraising profession through education

Next up was a session on 20 years of fundraising education in Switzerland, presented by ZHAW’s (Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Prof. Dr Leticia Labaronne and Fabienne Schmidli. Reflecting on two decades of providing fundraising executive education (accredited by EFA since 2012), the presentation highlighted key milestones, and discussed challenges and trends, such as the move towards lifelong learning, and the rise of micro and digital credentials. The session concluded with thoughts on further advancing the fundraising profession, including combining “learning on the job” with professional fundraising qualifications, and introducing fundraising education at undergraduate level.

MEP Sergey Lagodinsky on screen with Esther Meester & Laurence Lepetit

Focus on the European political environment

EFA was honoured to have MEP Sergey Lagodinsky join ECNL’s Esther Meester and France générosités’ Laurence Lepetit for the next session on the European political environment. Looking at new developments in regulation affecting civil society and philanthropy, this interesting discussion covered a range of important topics including the potential consequences of the European Parliament reshuffle for European civil society, and the impact of the EU’s new AML/CFT package – as well as how EFA and its membership can best respond.

Part 2 – a whistlestop tour across Europe

After lunch, the focus moved to EFA members, 13 of whom shared their perspectives on a choice of two themes: the political landscape across Europe and its impact on the sector, and the integration of AI into fundraising, including successes and obstacles.

Responses to the political landscape

On the political theme, changes of government featured in a number of presentations, and while the rise of far-right parties was a problem for some, there was also plenty of good news.

Ahead of Austria’s election win for the far-right Freedom Party, Ruth Williams from Fundraising Verband Austria shared positive changes announced for the sector including an extension of tax deductability for donations set to benefit up to 45,000 organizations, along with the sector’s demands for the new government.

Marie Bednarova

Marie Bednarova from the Czech Fundraising Center highlighted how President Petr Pavel has signed an important amendment to the Public Collections Act back in July that significantly simplifies individual donations, especially with online giving.

Pia Tornikoski from Finland’s VaLa talked delegates through the implementation of the country’s new Civil Society Strategy, created with the starting points of promoting fundraising, improving funding practices, and reducing bureaucracy for CSOs.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Katie Docherty discussed the state of the UK including a £20billion + black hole in government spending, and how civil society is collaborating to effect change, along with its plans for working with the new Labour government.

Reporting on Slovakia, Eduard Marček from the Slovak Fundraising Center shared how the ultra-right government is reshaping civil society and fundraising, including through the limiting of public funding and of support to human rights, minorities, and arts and culture – as well as on the positive impact of the backlash against it.

Goede Doelen Nederland’s Yvette Kleekamp provided an informative look at the Netherlands’ response to a shrinking space for fundraising, including a new special legal position for nonprofits and donations in proposals regarding telemarketing and door-to-door fundraising.

AI – the current state of play across Europe

Presentations on AI included case studies from nonprofits across Europe, insights into its rate of adoption, along with associated challenges and barriers, and strategies and guidelines for its use.

In Denmark, ISOBRO’s Kenneth Kamp Butzbach said, there is much talk about AI but little activity, with it missing at strategic level in many organizations and some concerns over risks. ISOBRO is working on ethical guidelines for its use in fundraising with a plan to adopt them at its annual general assembly in May 2025.

In Switzerland, organizations are also discussing how they can use AI and what guidelines need to be set for this, explained Swissfundraising’s Roger Tinner. It has a working group looking at how AI is, and could be, used in fundraising along with the risks, which will present proposals for a framework for AI’s use to the executive board by the end of the year.

Charlotte Rydh shared how Giva Sverige conducted research and analysis to direct its guidelines, along with examples of how two charities are using the technology. Red Cross Sweden used AI for a multi-dimensional analysis of its F2F data to increase lifetime donor value, while the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund implemented it to regain control over its images and branding on the internet.

Yaële Aferiat

AI adoption in France’s fundraising is promising but in its early stages, said Association Française des Fundraisers’ Yaële Aferiat. Giving an overview of its use so far – generally basic, such as content creation, she added that organizational guidelines are generally missing, or very restrictive due to ethical concerns. She expects a gradual adoption, with training and investment needed, and a pragmatic approach within organizations to using it.

55% of Irish charities are in early stages of AI adoption, said Charities Institute Ireland’s Scott Kelley, but only 40% of organizations have successfully integrated it with strong cybersecurity protocols. Taking a holistic approach that prioritises innovation and security will be essential for sustainable growth, he added, and strategic leadership is essential.

Is AI in fundraising a blessing or a curse, asked Larissa Probst from Deutscher Fundraising Verband, looking at both its value in supporting tasks like writing proposals and data analysis, and concerns over data privacy and ethics.

In Poland, said Robert Kawalko from Polskie Stowarzyszenie Fundraisingu, AI is just beginning to gain popularity amongst NGOs, but there are already interesting examples of its use, both in data analysis and campaigns. Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę Foundation for example, uses AI tools to monitor networks and detect potential violence, grooming, and other threats to children, while Siepomaga Foundation is using AI algorithms to optimize fundraising campaigns.

Charlotte Rydh and Larissa Probst

Goodbye and thanks to Charlotte Rydh

The day concluded with closing remarks, and an enormous thank you to Charlotte Rydh for all her hard work over the last six years on the EFA board – the last three as president.

Grateful thanks too to Swissfundraising for hosting the event, and of course to all the speakers, and everyone who participated.

Skillshare 2025

Next year’s Skillshare will be in Edinburgh, Scotland, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Keep an eye out for the date, which will be during the final quarter of 2025.

This year’s theme is Shaping the Future of Fundraising in Europe: Technology, Trends & the Political Landscape, with the programme also including a focus on fundraising management.

Who’s it for?

Fundraising and philanthropy professionals working in nonprofit organisations and supplier-side, as well as consultants and researchers, are all invited to attend the Skillshare, with it particularly aimed at those in leadership and management roles.

About the programme

The event starts with a welcome dinner on day one, which follows EFA’s annual members-only AGA. The Skillshare programme then takes place on day two, kicking off with a look at ethical principles in fundraising and how to implement them with Hanspeter Bigler, Chair of this year’s Skillshare host Swissfundraising. ZHAW School of Management and Law will then share insights from 20 years of building a broad educational programme in fundraising management.

The programme will also include a deep dive into the European political environment and what it means for fundraising, with experts Yvette Kleekamp, Public Affairs, Goede Doelen Nederland; Eszter Hartay, Program Director, European Center for Non-For-Profit Law; and MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, who will be joining the event online.

The afternoon will see EFA members share their perspectives on two key topics: how the political landscape across European countries is influencing and reshaping the future of fundraising, and how different countries are integrating AI into their fundraising efforts, highlighting both successes and obstacles.

There will also be ample opportunities to network throughout the event, including at the Skillshare dinner on the evening of 26 September.

How to book 

The programme, as well as more information on how to book, can be found here. Once again, EFA is offering a special discount for more than one person registering from the same organisation.  The deadline for registering is 17 September.

EFA president Charlotte Rydh commented:

“The EFA Skillshare is an invaluable annual opportunity to share, learn and be inspired, and to connect with peers from across Europe in person. This year, we take a deep dive into some of the most important topics for fundraising, from ethics to the political landscape across Europe, and of course AI. We’re delighted too to include a focus on fundraising management. It’s an unmissable programme for anyone with an interest in this area or working in civil society. We look forward to seeing you all there.”

Last year’s Skillshare took place in Prague and saw a record number of representatives from fundraising associations, sector bodies, nonprofits and tech experts across Europe attend. Hosted by the Czech Republic’s Coalition for Easy Giving, the two-day event saw around 50 delegates share insights, expertise, and views on the theme of Elevate & Innovate: Empowering Fundraising in Europe. More here.

More information on this year’s programme and how to register will be shared in the coming weeks but for now, please add this important date to your diary!

What is Skillshare?

The Skillshare is EFA’s long-standing annual event for the European fundraising community. Focusing on current fundraising issues and challenges for fundraisers and fundraising associations, it is a unique opportunity to come together with peers from across Europe to exchange knowledge and expertise, to learn, and to network.

Last year’s highlights

Last year’s Skillshare took place in Prague, with a record number of representatives from fundraising associations, sector bodies, nonprofits and tech experts across Europe.

The two-day event saw around 50 delegates share insights, expertise, and views on the theme of Elevate & Innovate: Empowering Fundraising in Europe.

Highlights included a European Tour with EFA members representing 14 countries presenting updates and insights on professional training in their countries, and key fundraising trends, challenges and opportunities. A special focus on AI explored its transformative effect on fundraising as well as the challenges and key issues, including ethics and data integrity.

Details on 2024’s Skillshare coming soon

Look out for more details on this year’s Skillshare, coming soon!

Main picture by 2H Media on Unsplash

Hosted by the Czech Republic’s Coalition for Easy Giving, the two-day event saw around 50 delegates share insights, expertise, and views on the theme of Elevate & Innovate: Empowering Fundraising in Europe.

First up on the Skillshare programme for day one was a session on EFA Certification and the professionalism of fundraising. Presented by EFA Board member Siri Nodland, it included a look at the benefits of taking an EFA-certified qualification as a fundraiser, how to apply for EFA Certification as a fundraising association or training provider, and the Certification Committee’s priorities for this year.

This was followed by a European Tour with EFA members presenting updates and insights on professional training in their countries, and key fundraising trends, challenges and opportunities. 14 countries were represented, including Finland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, UK, and Germany.

Day two took this theme further through presentations on challenges impacting nonprofits Europe-wide, and how organisations including EFA, Philea and Giving Tuesday are responding. This included a special focus on AI that explored its transformative effect on fundraising as well as key issues including ethics and data integrity.

AI – the time is now

Now is the time to embrace AI – or more accurately in most cases, machine learning – delegates heard, because it can transform fundraising. But nonprofits must also consider the practicalities and ethics of how they use it.

Kicking off the AI focus, in his session Deniz Hassan from the UK’s Astarita Aldrich & Ward took delegates through typical fundraising roles, from individual giving officers to legacy coordinators, and how AI could reshape them for the better.

In two years’ time, he said, today’s philanthropy / corporate manager for example will have evolved into an AI-enabled relationship manager, with AI taking over many of their routine and time-absorbing data-related tasks. This will free them up to manage a much larger portfolio and deliver those all-important high-quality experiences.

“What technology enables us to do is up our game,” he said. “AI will make people so much better at their jobs and make them more money – as long as they embrace it.”

The next session saw Pierre-Marie Boutet from Salesforce reiterating the inevitability of technological change, and asking the audience to consider the cost for their organisations of not moving forward.

“Consider the Red Cross now for example without the internet or social media,” he said. “The question with AI is not do I have to use it? It’s how am I going to use it?”

Pierre-Marie Boutet

Factors for success

But, he said, success hinges on a number of critical factors. Data strategy is fundamental, with AI only as good as the data it’s given. And the more fundraisers learn about how to use AI, the more risks and issues – such as AI bias, and the trust gap – can be minimised.

For those yet to start their AI journey, he added, it’s not as complicated as they may think, and there are plenty of tools available to help. Most importantly, he said, to avoid your organisation being left behind: “You have to start now.”

AI & ethical dilemmas

The final session on AI focused on ethics. While AI may seem like a solution to some problems, such as ‘poverty porn’, it can in fact bring new ethical dilemmas said Rogare’s Ian MacQuillin. AI-generated imagery for example raises issues of its own.

“There are two questions to answer,” he said. “One is what are the ethical issues of using AI in fundraising, and the other is, can AI be used to resolve ethical dilemmas in fundraising?”

Who, for example, he asked, is accountable for the actions of AI tools – the developer or the charity? And would AI know the difference between due and undue pressure on donors?

Using it to support ethical decision making also requires careful consideration, he added. So far it has too limited and simplistic an understanding of the ethics of fundraising.

It’s an area the sector needs to look at more closely, in order to identify the ethical issues specific to fundraising so AI can be trained to understand them. “When a new idea comes to the sector, we start running with it, and only start thinking of the ethical issues further down the line,” MacQuillin said. To help, Rogare is developing a research agenda to identify these ethical dilemmas.

In the group discussion that followed, delegates noted that smaller organisations were likely to struggle the most with the growth of AI, and that fundraising associations will play a critical role in supporting their members as well as the wider sector.

Responding to issues on the European level

The importance of collaboration – nationally and internationally – was the key message from the second half of the afternoon with presentations on the issues affecting nonprofits and fundraising across Europe.

First providing a country-specific perspective, Médecins Sans Frontières’ Alena Novotná, and Jan Staněk from Oblastní Charita Červený Kostelec shared an illuminating glimpse into fundraising and some of the issues faced by nonprofits in the Czech Republic, including the cost of living crisis, and the difficulty of attracting staff.

EFA’s Brussels correspondent Patrick Gibbels then gave a run through of current EU policy issues relevant to EFA and the fundraising community. These included the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policy, and the proposal for a regulation on privacy and electronic communications.

Partnerships & collaboration

L-R: Lepetit, Tornikoski, Hanses and Rydh

Presentations came next on key initiatives aimed at supporting Europe’s NGOs across Europe. Giving Tuesday’s Kait Sheridan spoke about the development of a Europe Hub to create new opportunities for partnerships, collaboration and data work across the continent to boost generosity.

In her presentation, Philea’s Hanna Hanses discussed a recent mapping exercise of foundation laws and regulations in Europe, and the barriers to cross-border philanthropy identified. She also spoke on Philea’s European Philanthropy Manifesto – a call to policymakers to work towards a single market for philanthropy with recommendations for achieving this.

A panel discussion followed with EFA president Charlotte Rydh, Hanses, Lepetit, and VaLa’s Pia Tornikoski on the need for collaboration and for a collective voice both within countries and across Europe as a whole, including EFA’s role.

Linked to the Skillshare theme and the event’s discussions, the afternoon ended with a talk from Charities Institute Ireland’s Annelies Coghlan on Dan Pallotta’s new film Uncharitable. A film that looks at how restraints on nonprofits undermine their potential, CII recently hosted its only Irish screening.

Summing up at the end of the event, Rydh said:

“Fundraisers across Europe face many of the same challenges – and opportunities. The value of coming together at Skillshare to share how our organisations and countries are responding, to learn from each other, and to discuss how we can work on these together is immeasurable.”

Skillshare 2024

Next year’s Skillshare and AGA will take place in Zürich on 26-27 September 2024. All fundraisers and others working in the civil society sector are welcome to join. Details to follow.

Check out 2023’s programme here.

This year’s Skillshare takes the theme “Elevate & Innovate: Empowering Fundraising in Europe”, and takes place in Prague on 21-22 September.

Led by EFA vice president and CFO of the Coalition for Easy Giving Jan Gregor, the event will provide a high-level platform for thought-provoking conversations. The programme has been carefully curated to provide participants with key tools and inspiration to help them elevate their fundraising.

What’s on the programme

It includes an exploration of Artificial intelligence’s transformative potential as well as a look at the ethics of its use. The event will also foster collaboration and understanding among European fundraisers with a deep dive into fundraising in the Czech Republic and CEE region. Another session on continuous professional development will empower fundraising leaders with vital skills to thrive in an evolving landscape.

There will also be an opportunity to engage in a stimulating panel discussion on public affairs, which will emphasize advocacy’s significance in shaping an enabling fundraising ecosystem.

The event will end with Charlotte Rydh, president of EFA and the Swedish Fundraising Association, who will share insights on the future of fundraising and our collective potential as fundraisers across Europe working together.

Speakers include: Deniz Hassan, digital director, Astarita Aldrich & Ward; Ian MacQuillin, director, Rogare; Alena Novotná, head of fundraising, Médecins Sans Frontières; and Jan Staněk, head of fundraising, Oblastní Charita Červený Kostelec.

Scott Kelley, EFA treasurer & Charities Institute Ireland COO says:

“As EFA treasurer and Charities Institute Ireland COO, it is an honour to present this remarkable programme, offering insightful discussions and unparalleled learning experiences.

“Your presence and contributions will make this event a resounding success. Together, let’s Elevate & Innovate, and empower fundraising in Europe.”

How to sign up

More details on the programme and how to register for this in-person event are available here.

Picture by Headway on Unsplash

The Skillshare programme will include sessions on artificial intelligence, key public affairs issues, continuous professional development/fundraising training and an overview of developments in fundraising in the Czech Republic and other CEE countries.

There is also the Skillshare European Tour session on day one, Thursday 21 September, to look forward to, followed by a guided tour of Prague’s historic centre and the EFA Skillshare dinner.

All fundraisers and others working in the civil society sector are welcome to join the Skillshare and there is a special discount for more than one person registering from the same organisation.

EFA president Charlotte Rydh commented:

“The annual EFA Skillshare presents a wonderful opportunity for us to meet together in person to share, learn and be inspired. This year’s programme promises to be fascinating and informative, covering everything from AI to fundraising developments in the Czech Republic and other CEE countries. Prague is also a beautiful city and we very much look forward to seeing everyone there.”

The programme

Thursday, 21 September

14.30 – 15.00: Coffee and arrival of Skillshare Participants

15.00 – 17.30: EFA Skillshare European Tour

17.30 – 18.30: Free time to have a drink together or go back to your hotel

18.30 – 19.30: Guided tour of Prague’s historic centre

19.30 onwards: EFA Skillshare dinner

Friday, 22 September

09.00 – 16.00: EFA Skillshare sessions

More information and the registration form can be found here. The registration deadline is 14 September 2023.

All seven EFA board members met in Stockholm in March, hosted by president Charlotte Rydh at the Giva Sverige office. The in-person meeting also included the appointment of Larissa Probst as board member in charge of strategic partnerships, and discussions on partnership plans; updates on EFA’s public affairs and certification work; and a strategy workshop.

L-R: Charlotte Rydh, EFA President; Simona Biancu, Chair, Public Affairs Working Group; Jan Gregor, EFA Vice-President; Scott Kelley, EFA Treasurer; Paul Laird, EFA Communications; Larissa Probst, EFA Strategic Partnerships; Siri Nodland, Chair, EFA Certification Committee

Focus areas discussed in the workshop included EFA’s roles as a strong voice for the fundraising community in Brussels and across Europe, in strengthening professional fundraising, and as a data hub for sharing knowledge. The board also discussed how EFA can achieve sustainable and increased funding which is necessary to become a stronger voice for the fundraising community.

Key updates from the board

Board meeting presentations saw EFA Public Affairs Working Group chair Simona Biancu give a report on the group’s activities, including plans to publish a number of position papers on key topics with the help of working group member Patrick Gibbels.

Jan Gregor, EFA vice president and board member in charge of membership, reported on the progress being made on plans for this year’s Skillshare, which will be held in Prague on 21-22 September. The date was also set for the Digital European Tour. This will take place from 10-13.00 CET on 15 November, with more details on both events to follow in due course.

Siri Nodland, EFA Certification Committee chair, updated board members on the committee’s work. This currently includes evaluating a number of Re-Certification applications; looking at ways to attract more member countries to apply for EFA Certification; finding new members to join the committee to replace those completing their terms; and looking ahead to the next EFA Certification Symposium.

Paul Laird, who was appointed to the EFA Board last November, with responsibility for communications, presented details on the continuing support from EFA’s communications partner Turner PR, as well as items from EFA’s communications plan. This includes setting up an editorial group comprised of communications officers from EFA member organisations to facilitate the sharing of news and spokespeople for articles.

Election committee

Finding new members to join the EFA board and Certification committee to replace those completing their terms was also discussed, and an Election committee has now been formed to assist the board with this process. This comprises of former EFA board members Ceri Edwards (UK), Eduard Marček (Slovakia), and Astrid von Soosten (Germany). Proposals for new board members are welcomed – these can now be sent to Denise Dawes and will be put to the new committee.

Members’ meeting

The members’ meeting will take place on 12 May. Speaking on the plans, Rydh commented:

“The upcoming members’ meeting is part of our strategy to focus on strengthening communications with EFA member representatives, so that they in turn can better communicate with and support their members. It will also provide us with valuable feedback, both on how we can better serve our members and attract new ones to the EFA community.”

Picture by Jan  Židlický on Pexels

Hosted by Charities Institute Ireland, EFA’s two-day Skillshare kicked off with its annual general assembly. During the AGA, EFA welcomed Paul Laird from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising to the board, saying farewell to Ceri Edwards, who stepped down on completion of his second term.

The EFA Skillshare European Tour followed, with updates on the situation for nonprofits and fundraisers in their countries from representatives of Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and the UK.

Scott Kelley, chief operating officer of Charities Institute Ireland and EFA treasurer commented:

“It was a real honour to welcome fundraisers from across Europe to Dublin for our first in-person Skillshare since before the pandemic. Being in a room with peers hailing from Italy to Lithuania to exchange news and views is an unbeatable experience that is both inspiring and informative.”

Delegates were then treated to time to socialise and a walking tour of Dublin before a celebratory dinner marking EFA’s two decades.

EFA Skillshare participants

Exploring the theme

Day two saw delegates gather for a full day of insightful and interactive sessions on the Skillshare theme of amplifying impact. The day also included an update on the forthcoming Nonprofit Pulse with Salesforce.org – to be released in January, and the official launch of the EFA Advanced Competence Framework.

Starting with the situation in Ireland, in her session public affairs consultant Kathleen O’Meara spoke on the precarity of the relationship between its voluntary sector and the state – for which the sector delivers many vital services. With the country’s political opposition (and potentially its next government) believing that if the state funds a service it should own it, she examined what the future might hold for the sector and whether its relationship with the state can be fixed.

Improving key processes

Sharing learnings from Philanthropy Ireland’s own impact mapping journey, Éilis Murray said that part of the challenge in being able to amplify impact was knowing what to measure. Highlighting that there is no one size fits all approach, she discussed how impact should be at the heart of organisational plans, strategy and decisions, and governed by the philanthropic objective or purpose.

Adding to the discussion, Sharon Edge, CEO of Ireland’s The Purpose Edge, spoke on how nonprofits also need to embed a culture of sustainability and demonstrate this if they are to amplify their impact effectively. This, she said was the first step to developing impactful partnerships, attracting and retaining talent, powering innovation, and deepening engagement. She also explained how sharing compelling sustainability messages through charity CEOs, frontline workers, and beneficiary voices, helps to amplify that impact, and inspire supporters.

Working together

In his session, EFA’s Brussels correspondent Patrick Gibbels took the discussion to an EU level. With a number of EU files impacting the sector, from the ongoing action plan on anti-money laundering to the proposal for a regulation on privacy and electronic communication to replace the current Directive, he examined the European Commission’s influence on national legislation and the need for EU associations to lobby on both a national and EU level.

For this and more, fundraising coalitions are key, said the Czech Coalition for Easy Giving’s Jan Gregor in his session. Sharing their experiences, Gregor talked about how to build not just a one-off group of NGOs for a single occasion but a group that can work together long-term to achieve ongoing collective impact, with tips on how to achieve this.

Speaking on the event, Charlotte Rydh, EFA president commented:

“It makes such a difference to be able to network and share in person. Getting the broader picture of fundraising and philanthropy from across Europe is incredibly valuable for the work we all do in our own organisations and associations, as well as for EFA in helping to direct our work.

“We are very grateful to all of our speakers for presenting such informative and engaging sessions, to everyone who attended, and of course to Ceri Edwards for all his work over the years as board member and vice president. And last but not least, it was wonderful to welcome Paul Laird to the EFA board, where he takes on the responsibility for communications.”