EFA Certification Symposium, Helsinki, 25-26 April 2024
January 15, 2024
EFA New Advanced Competence Framework Webinar: Opportunities for Training Providers
February 25, 2026
31 May – 1 June 2026 | Berlin Congress Center (bcc), Germany
The Future of Fundraising Leadership Starts Here
What skills will define the next generation of fundraising leaders?
How does professional education translate into measurable income growth?
And how will fundraisers learn in an era shaped by technology, data, and changing donor expectations?
The EFA Learning Symposium 2026, organised by the European Fundraising Association and hosted by the Deutscher Fundraising Verband (DFRV), brings together Europe’s leading thinkers, educators, certification experts, and senior practitioners to address one central question:
Why professional fundraising education is no longer optional — but strategic.
What We Will Explore
Through expert presentations and structured discussions, the Symposium will examine:
The skills and knowledge future fundraising leaders need
The impact of professional fundraisers on organisational income
Why education drives performance
Barriers to professional education
This is a working symposium designed for serious exchange — not passive listening.
Who Should Attend
Fundraising education providers
Certification bodies and programme partners
International NGOs and charity employers
Fundraising service providers
Leaders shaping professional standards in Europe
EFA member organisations
If you influence fundraising talent, strategy, or professional development, this conversation concerns you.
Speakers
Jeanette Eesmann-Foster
Mindwize (NL)
Martin Georgi
DFRV
EU Consult (DE)
Heike Kraack-Tichy
emcra (DE)
Mary O'Kennedy
O'Kennedy Consulting
EU Consult (IE)
Zoe Oldham
Upsall International (ES)
Bill Stanczykiewicz
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (US)
Giedrė Šopaitė
Baltic Fundraising Hub (LT)
Nele Theuer
BIBB (DE)
Pia Tornikoski
VaLa (FI)
Programme Overview
Sunday, 31 May 2026 | Congress Dinner (18:30)
Monday, 1 June 2026 | Symposium sessions (10:00–16:00)
09:45 - 10:00
Registration and Coffee
10:00 - 11:15
elcome
KEYNOTE: Philanthropy, Passion & Resilience
Philanthropy is uniquely capable of making the world a better place, including during today’s turbulent times. While highlighting the latest findings of the Global Philanthropy Environment Index, with a special focus on Europe, this keynote session will describe the distinct influence of philanthropy on improving lives, strengthening communities, and promoting justice. Fundraisers will be affirmed and inspired to know how their leadership is essential to fulfilling philanthropy’s greatest potential.
Bill Stanczykiewicz
IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (US)
Assessing Fundraising Competencies: From Intuition to Strategic Team Development
Fundraisers are critical to nonprofit success, but without clearly defined competencies, teams rarely reach their full potential. This session presents a structured, competency-based approach to assessing and developing fundraising capacity, moving from intuition to strategy. Drawing on Lithuania’s national programme, it offers practical insights into needs-based training and introduces the fundraising competency matrix as a tool to map strengths, identify gaps, and align teams with strategic goals.
Giedrė Šopaitė
Baltic Fundraising Hub (LT)
11:15 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:15
Who Is Leading Fundraising In A Charity?
Who Is Delivering Service To Charity Clients?
Recruiting Insights
Jeanette Eesmann-Foster, Owner and Founder of Mindwize, and Zoe Oldham, CEO Recruitment at Upsall International, will draw on their extensive experience of recruitment processes to share insights into the skills and knowledge future fundraising leaders need to succeed in securing roles. The discussion will be moderated by Pia Tornikoski, Chair of the EFA Certification Committee.
Zoe Oldham
Upsall International (ES)
Jeanette Eesmann-Foster
Mindwize (NL)
Pia Tornikoski
VaLa (FI)
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch
13:15 - 14:30
Presentation Of Workshop Topics
Parallel Workshops:
Challenges And Potentials Of Education In Fundraising
This workshop will be based on findings from the study “Education and Training in the German Fundraising Sector”. Together, we aim to discuss open questions about the challenges and potentials of education in fundraising: How will educational requirements change in the future and which developments are needed to meet them? How can we ensure that the educational needs of (aspiring) fundraisers from different backgrounds and with varying priorities are adequately addressed? How do structural characteristics of the German fundraising landscape help or hinder these developments? With or without prior knowledge on the topic, you are warmly welcome to join the workshop and share their individual experiences.
Nele Theuer
BIBB (DE)
Should I Forget What I Know? Rethinking How Fundraisers Learn.
This interactive workshop puts learning at the centre. Together, we’ll explore the evolving demands on fundraisers and the skills, mindsets, and formats needed to stay effective in a rapidly changing world.
We’ll challenge traditional approaches to professional development, asking what still works—and what doesn’t. Through discussion, fresh perspectives, and collaborative thinking, we’ll rethink how learning in fundraising can become more connected, practical, and bold. Join us to spark new ideas and shape concrete approaches for future-ready learning in fundraising.
Heike Kraack-Tichy
emcra (DE)
Bridging The Gap Through Learning: Aligning Consultant Skills With Nonprofit Needs
Based on a Europe-wide study by EUConsult, this session presents key skills for consultants in the nonprofit and social impact sector alongside newly developed and tested training modules. Participants will explore gaps between current consultant skills and the evolving needs of client organisations and contribute to shaping tools to better understand these needs. Join us to reflect, challenge, and help advance the future of consultancy skills training in Europe.
Mary O'Kennedy
O'Kennedy Consulting
EU Consult (IE)
Martin Georgi
DFRV
EU Consult (DE)
14:30 - 15:00
Coffee Break
15:00 - 16:00
Presentation Of Workshop Results + Q&A
Closing
Participation Options
EFA Learning Symposium | 31 May – 1 June 2026 | €200
Symposium + German Fundraising Congress | 31 May – 3 June 2026 | €795
Venue | Berlin Congress Center (bcc), Berlin (open 09:00–18:00)
Accomodation | Explore hotels near the venue
Registration
Secure your place via this registration link.
Professionalisation is reshaping fundraising across Europe.
The question is not whether education matters — but how to design it to maximise impact.
Join the debate in Berlin.
