EFA launches new Competence Framework for professional fundraising qualifications

Launching today, the European Fundraising Association unveils a new competence framework for the fundraising profession.

The competencies form the basis of EFA’s Certification scheme, which enables fundraising associations and training providers to develop national fundraising qualifications that share a common core, while fitting within the relevant cultural, economic and geographic backdrop.

EFA Certification was first launched in 2007, developed with EU funding and modelled on the Institute of Fundraising’s Certificate in Fundraising Management. Now in 2020, with increasing appetite for professional development in fundraising, EFA’s competence framework has been revised and updated to ensure it reflects the realities of modern day fundraising.

Charlotte Rydh, Chair of EFA’s Certification Committee and Secretary General of Give Sweden (Giva Sverige), says:

“Today’s fundraisers are developing new skills in what has become one of the most dynamic, exciting and rewarding professions and it’s essential that professional qualifications reflect how the industry is changing and growing. The new EFA competencies reflect advances in technology, new fundraising channels and trends, together with changes in regulation and best practice.

“We are seeing more and more people choose to become fundraisers, developing their careers within the profession. Currently, there are an estimated 60,000 fundraising professionals working across Europe, and this figure is predicted to rise by a factor of five over the next ten years. Fundraisers are critical to ensuring the sustainability of nonprofits globally and supporting their learning and professional development has never been more important.”

EFA certified qualifications are developed by national fundraising associations with a training partner, and must be submitted to EFA for certification. To date, EFA certified qualifications have been developed and accredited in 11 countries and completed by 5,500 fundraisers.

Training and delivery guidelines are also provided by EFA within a new Certification Handbook, launched today.

For more information see EFA Certification.

Related feature:

Ian MacQuillin: Fundraising should be a career choice, not an accident