Slovak Fundraising CentreObserver of EFA

Introducing EFA

Formally established in Brussels in 2002…

The European Fundraising Association is a network of fundraising associations working to strengthen and develop fundraising across Europe

Who is EFA?

• A network of 18 member associations and 8 observers from across Europe

• EFA is governed by a General Assembly made up of a representative from each country

• The programme of work is directed by EFA’s 8-strong Board

• The Board is led by a President and Vice President (elected from the Board)President – Mette Holm (ISOBRO, Denmark)Vice-President – Robert Kawalko (Polish

Fundraising Association)

EFA Members

There are 18 member fundraising associations from 16 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and United Kingdom

EFA membership includes associations for individual fundraisers and those that represent fundraising organisations.

EFA Observers & AssociatesEFA works with representatives from 8 Observer nations - countries without a fundraising association:

Armenia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, Portugal, Romania and Slovakia

2 Associate members support and feed into the development of EFA:

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)The Resource Alliance

EFA’s Mission

To promote the work of not-for-profit organisations and philanthropy by stimulating the creation and sustainability of strong national associations and to increase fundraising across Europe.

What does EFA do?

• Supports the establishment and development of fundraising associations across Europe

• Shares knowledge and fundraising best practice across its network

• Facilitates training and formal fundraising qualifications through EFA’s Certification programme

• Serves as a central voice for fundraising in Europe, shaping the wider fundraising environment by lobbying Government about relevant legislation

• Collates market intelligence about fundraising

Building infrastructure

• Establishing new associations – EFA helps set up new national associations locally through which best practice, knowledge and expertise can be shared and rolled out to all fundraisers in the nation

• Strengthening existing fundraising associations – Existing associations are strengthened by becoming part of the EFA network, sharing insights and learnings across the European community

• A European network – EFA works through and with the support of national associations; a European platform for sharing best practice, knowledge and expertise

A Platform for Exchange• Sharing fundraising guidance – In some

nations fundraising is well established, in others it is in its infancy. By sharing learning, techniques and best practice, EFA can accelerate the development of the industry and increase funds raised.

• Sharing information about running associations –EFA facilitates the exchange of information and guidance for structuring, managing, financing and growing a successful association.

A Platform for Exchange Cont’d

EFA provides and supports the following means for information exchange:The EFA Skillshare – EFA’s flagship event is an annual conference where members meet in person, exchange ideas, share challenges and resolutionsFundraising Europe – EFA produces a quarterly newsletter for members covering relevant news, topical issues, forthcoming events and moreInternational Code of Ethics – EFA fed into the development of an International Code of Ethics, seting out common principles for fundraisers across Europe. All EFA members defer to this Code.

A Qualified Profession

• Fundraising training and qualifications – EFA launched its Certification programme in 2007 (developed with EU funding), to provide formal, professional qualifications for fundraisers across Europe

• Built on the UK model – EFA Certification was developed from the core syllabus of the IoF Certificate in Fundraising Management (UK)

• Locally ratified – Fundraising associations develop EFA Certified qualifications with national educational partners

• A qualified profession – The EFA Certification Board has now supported and approved the development of 10 fundraising qualifications across Europe

One Voice for Fundraising• One unified voice – There are many common

issues facing fundraisers across Europe, EFA acts as one central voice to champion those issues. Members can channel their concerns through EFA

• Influencing policy – EFA shapes the wider fundraising environment, lobbying EU Government about relevant legislation. As part of ECCVAT, EFA is currently lobbying the European Commission for a fairer deal for charities paying VAT

Collating Market Intelligence

• A hub for fundraising in Europe – EFA acts as a central hub for market information about fundraising in Europe. Members submit information about fundraising within each nation and this is shared across EFA

Member Benefits Gain practical support for setting up and

growing fundraising associations Access best practice guidance for fundraising Develop national fundraising qualifications

through EFA’s Certification scheme Accelerate the development of fundraising in

your nation by tapping into EFA’s knowledge base Eligibility for discount packages to fellow

members’ events, such as the Institute of Fundraising’s National Convention in the UK

A voice in Government – Make your views heard at EU level, by channelling information through EFA

www.efa-net.eu

Eduard Marček, Head of Slovak Fundraising Centre+421-905-477468 eduard.marcek@fundraising.sk