Session Leader Applications for IFC 2020 are now open
Each year, we select 20 members from the international fundraising community to become a member of the fun and vital Session Leader team at the IFC, with the opportunity to network with world-renowned speakers and delegates from all over the world.
In exchange for your help, we will provide you with accommodation and food as well as a significantly reduced registration fee of £700.
What does a session leader do at the IFC?
You will be the first point of contact for your assigned speaker if he or she requires any assistance before, during or after their session.
In addition, session leaders will work as a group and act as an information point for delegates, speakers and the Resource Alliance staff.
Session Leader requirements
We select an international group of 20 people who themselves work in fundraising, come from a country with an emerging philanthropic culture, may be from charities with a small training budget or fundraisers staring out as consultants.
It is most important that we have an international, vibrant and flexible team that knows how to have fun and work hard too!
If you application is successful, you will be required to pay the discounted registration fee of £700 by 31st August 2020. You will also be responsible for your own travel to/from IFC 2020, including all arrangements, payments and required travel documents.
You will be required to arrive at the IFC by midday on Monday 12th October, and to leave after 3pm on Friday 16th October. Please consider these factors before applying to be a Session Leader.
How to apply to become a Session Leader at IFC 2020
To be considered for the role, please apply by 26th June 2020. You will be notified on the outcome of your application by 13th July.
Carolina Nyberg-Steiser Bursary Programme
In October 2017, Greenpeace campaign Carolina Nyberg-Steiser lost her life in the Brazilian Amazon in the course of her work. As Head of Partnerships, Artists & Influencers at Greenpeace, she raised millions in funding that enabled not just Greenpeace, but the wider environmental and human rights movements, to drive change for a better world.
Greenpeace and the Resource Alliance, with the support of Carolina’s family, have developed a bursary programme in her name with an aim to empower other incredible young women who care as deeply for the wellbeing of our planet, and the people that inhabit this earth, as Carolina did.
Applications for IFC 2022 are now open
The Carolina Nyberg-Steiser Bursary is open to women up to 36 years of age, working in the Social Impact Sector. Make sure you apply before Monday 4th July 2022.
Recipients receive access to IFC 2022, with a masterclass and onsite accommodation included (from 18th – 21st October). The bursary programme will also cover to cost of your travel to and from the Netherlands, and provide you with a mentor to support your learning journey.
“Receiving a Carolina Nyberg-Steiser Bursary program place was an incredible privilege. Attending IFC Asia gave me the opportunity to challenge my thinking, learn from thought leaders and network with people from all around the world with diverse perspectives and incredible stories. More than anything it left me with a profound sense of purpose and connection and invigorated my determination to come together with like-minded people to change the world.”
Karen McGrath, Global Marketing Manager at Act for Peace, Australia
Carolina’s Story
Carolina dedicated her working life to the protection of nature, bringing people together to save what is best in this world. She could reach deep into the heart of an issue, grip it, and then reach into your heart and leave it there.
Carolina’s conviction was always that if we are to win the greatest challenges of mankind, Greenpeace must forge new alliances and collaborations that create a greater and more permanent impact than what we could achieve alone. The partnerships Carolina created and the millions she raised enabled not just Greenpeace, but the wider environmental and human rights movements, to drive change for a better world. The influencers who accepted her invitations to join their voices with ours helped to engage millions of people to speak powerful words of truth.
Her skill in securing enthusiastic support from powerful people was inspiring. With her colleagues she freely shared these skills, as freely as she shared her deep and passionate affinity for the world she sought to protect. At home and across the globe Carolina always acted with courage and sought to empower and enable, lifting others up to reach new heights in their work and their leadership.
“Carolina was an incredible young woman with a huge heart and astonishing determination and at just 29 years of age she had, with grace, intelligence and sheer force of will achieved so very much. In everything she did in support of Greenpeace’s mission, Carolina was courageous, inspiring and uplifting. She sought to empower others to reach new heights in their work and their leadership.”
Celeste Stewart, Fundraising Director at Greenpeace Nordic
Previous participants in the Carolina Nyberg-Steiser Bursary Programme
Programme Manager for Buffalo City Sports Academy, South Africa
Fundraising Events and Marketing Manager for The Chaeli Campaign, South Africa
Fundraising Assistant for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, South Africa
Story Lead at TSIBA, South Africa
NOMFUNDO DLANGISA (SOUTH AFRICA)
Chief Financing Officer for Dream Factory Foundation, South Africa
Chief Operating Officer, Feenix, South Africa
Communications & Stakeholder Manager for Shine Literacy, South Africa
Development Coordinator for S-CAPE, South Africa
Project Coordinator and Development Facilitator for Built Environment Support Group, South Africa
Alpha South Africa Equipping Team Leader, South Africa
ECD Programme Director for Zero2Five Trust, South Africa
Marketing and Communications Manager for Symphonia for South Africa
Program manager for Sizanani, South Africa
Communication and Partnership Associate for Restless Development Nepal
Digital Campaigner for Greenpeace Canada
Founder of Manos de Colores: Artesanías del Ecuador
Fundraising officer for Transparency International, Cambodia
Global Marketing Manager – Ration Challenge for Act for Peace, Australia
Co-Founder for VIGYANshaala, India & UK
The world is full of change makers accelerators.
You no doubt know a few yourself – change accelerators are people who are:
- forward thinking
- progressive and bold
- advanced in their thinking and daring in their approach
- brave and not afraid to push forward
- leading the way and drive change in enterprising and fearless ways
- making an impact that is both faster and bigger
You already have someone in mind, don’t you?
We would love to shine a light on them and share their inspiring stories with The Resource Alliance family around the world in our monthly newsletter.
But first we have to meet them! And we’re counting on you to make the introduction.
Just email your suggestions of who you think we should interview as part of our regular Change Accelerator feature and why, and together we can celebrate those amazing individuals who dare to live life in the fast lane of change.
Change Accelerator #1: Joanna Sustento
To kick off this month’s feature we would like to introduce our first change accelerator Joanna Sustento – Joanna was one of our incredible IFC 2019 closing plenary speakers.
In 2013, Joanna lost her entire family to Super Typhoon Haiyan – one of the strongest storms in human history, which claimed more than 10,000 lives in just two hours.
Since then, she has been telling her story around the world to put a human face on the climate crisis and to highlight the devastating impact of climate change.
Watch Joanna’s amazing IFC 2019 closing plenary talk >>
IFC 2020: Super Early Bird tickets now available
The IFC is so much more than a conference. It is an interconnected, global community of fundraisers, change accelerators, radical disruptors and thought-provokers.
Over the years, the IFC has been the world-leading forum for sparking change, amplifying thinking and challenging the norm.
In October, we will come together for our 40th anniversary for in-depth masterclasses, inspiring Big Rooms and a cutting-edge workshop programme. But more than that, we’ll be bringing together some of the brightest minds to generate and share ideas and explore new ways to deliver sustainable impact – new ways to ACCELERATE CHANGE.
Our Super Early Bird pricing has just launched so when you book your place at IFC 2020 before 31 March, you’ll receive a saving of £150 across all ticket types.
Simply use the code “SUPEREARLY” to receive this saving.
A snapshot of the IFC experience
Encapsulating the magic of the IFC is no easy feat, you really do have to see it to believe it, however our fantastic filming partners Raw London on have produced this short film to give you a small taste of what it’s like to be part of this amazing global fundraising community!
And if that’s not enough, take a look at our Facebook gallery.
We’re excited to open the call for speaking proposals for Fundraising Online 2020 (#FRO2020), a completely free-to-attend virtual conference from the Resource Alliance taking place on Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 April 2020.
We are looking for experts, trailblazers and changemakers in the digital sphere to join our line-up of digital savvy speakers. Over 5,000 participants from 120 countries tuned in during the two days of the conference in 2019. We expect #FRO2020 to be even bigger and better, so apply to speak if you’d love to share your knowledge on such a big stage.
The deadline to submit proposals is Thursday 20 February 2020.
In terms of speaking topics, we have a strong focus on digital fundraising, engagement, innovation and disruptive and emerging tech trends.
#FRO2020 sessions will cover all elements of how charities and campaign groups can use digital to engage with the public at scale. From the very best of digital fundraising, public engagement and movement building to the most insightful guides on how to deliver effective digital activity across web, social media and email, as well as the most practical and applicable use of new technologies. Sessions will be underpinned by case studies and examples from around the globe.
Register for #FRO2020
Whether or not you are applying to speak, make sure you complete the free registration form below to sign-up for #FRO2020. We’ll keep you up to date with all the exciting speaker and session announcements, and share details of exactly where to catch the sessions on the day.
While there are many causes striving to meet all kinds of needs, the Resource Alliance is dedicated to meeting the needs of social causes and the people who work with them. DTV’s Derek Humphries spoke to Resource Alliance CEO Kyla Shawyer about the changing world of social good.
DH: Just to set some context for readers who don’t know the Resource Alliance, how would you sum up the organisation?
KS: We’re here to support changemakers, fundraisers, people who want to make the world a better place. Fundamentally we do that by connecting people so that they can share their learning and create new ways to make an impact.
Historically we’ve done that through flagship events: IFC in the Netherlands, IFC Asia in Bangkok and gatherings in India, South Africa and elsewhere. Today and moving forward, it’s not just about events but about a 24/7 conversation via digital channels, events, and any media necessary! We’re powered by a massive array of worldwide volunteers, and by thought leaders and practitioners who generously share their skills and insight for the greater good.
DH: I know you must meet thousands of changemakers worldwide. Would you say they face common issues?
KS: Of course there are regional variations in terms of culture, political context, rate of economic development, humanitarian and environmental crises, and so on. But there seems to be a universal thirst for better, faster change. For new thinkers and social good entrepreneurs there is frustration that they are stifled by bureaucracy, often thwarted by a no-risk culture that fears change and cannot countenance the failure.
We are all working in the same profoundly disrupted world; in many places an increasingly polarised world where people are more and more keen to find a sense of purpose, an outlet for their values. That’s great news for good causes if they can truly align their organisational values with those of people who want to turn their own personal values into action.
DH: There’s been much doom and gloom in the world of fundraising, and talk of a model that is broken, so it’s good to hear your optimism!
KS: Isn’t it the Chinese character for the word crisis that is made up of the two characters for threat and opportunity? I prefer to see the opportunity.
I do recognise what you mean when you talk of a broken fundraising model. But fundraising also has many beacons of brilliance that we should not overlook. The broken part is fundraising that is transactional and shallow-touch. But there is plenty of truly values-driven, deep-engagement fundraising that is working for organisations.
While fundraising remains vital, today more than ever we must recognise that creating change is not merely about money. It’s about all forms of capital: human, financial, and intellectual. It’s about unlocking the potential of whatever it takes to create change. Giving money is just one way we measure that.
DH: What gives you real hope that we may be heading in the right direction?
KS: People! Without a doubt people. I’m lucky enough to meet extraordinary people who are doing amazing work, often unsung, unnoticed, all over the world. I was recently in Bangkok for our IFC Asia event. We had a dozen people from Nepal, bursary-funded attendees from Bhutan, Australia and elsewhere, tech industry leaders sharing their insights, and every one of them with important knowledge to share and with much more they want to learn. It’s such an enriching and generous community.
Then there’s new ideas. Take something like Jeremy Heimans’ thinking, articulated in his book New Power. There’s rich thinking there in terms of how we understand old power and new power models, and how we decide which to use or whether to blend them.
I’m also encouraged by what I’ve seen through initiatives such as our Leadership Forum,. Here we aim to create space not just to share great ideas, but to convene people who will generate new breakthrough thinking. That non-competitive, truly collaborative space is a rare thing and we need to create more of it.
I’d say my hope also comes from the huge generosity our community has in sharing its know-how. It’s an open source mindset. At the Resource Alliance it’s been part of our DNA for nearly 40 years, and today we can use technology to share know-how and engage people in debate like never before.
DH: When you look at something like IFC Asia, what learnings do you take from it for yourself?
KS: I took a great lesson from Katy Grennier who spoke in the closing keynote session. She vividly brought to life the need for radical collaboration. We can all speak the jargon of 360-degree stakeholder consultation, but Katy breathes real life into this. She talks about the broken system, or systems, that we all blame for the world’s ills. What we need to do is
acknowledge that we are the system. To change the system, we need to challenge ourselves to listen differently, to engage with different people and to take radical responsibility for our own actions.
We all want to see change, and that means that we ourselves must be willing to change. That’s not always easy, but it’s vital.
DH: Disruption, radical collaboration…what do these things mean for your own organisation?
KS: In terms of events, it means ensuring that we constantly bring in fresh viewpoints, and that also means being more diverse and inclusive. That’s not a mere good intention, it’s something we vigorously pursue through robust KPIs. For example, at IFC this year we will have 62% female speakers. Nevertheless, we’re far from perfect. For example, our board has reasonable diversity in terms of nationality, but still has a male gender bias which we are proactively tackling. None of these things change unless you change them.
As for disruption, as an organisation and across all forms of social good work, we can’t afford to just ‘keep up’, we need to lead. And in doing so, our approach to leadership, the models we use, and how we put those models into practice must go beyond ‘fundraising’.
DH: Where you look across the sector, where do you see the most exciting changes taking place?
§ I’d first of all challenge the idea of a sector. What we see instead today is more of an ever-changing ecosystem of individuals, organisations, and movements. It’s highly fluid and rapidly changing. That can be unsettling given the human need for certainty and security. But it’s thrilling in terms of our ability to mobilise and engage large groups of people swiftly.
I’m hugely impressed by the social entrepreneurial start-ups that we see springing up worldwide, although there seems a particular energy across Asia. And I love the way some big, established INGOs are challenging themselves around how they are structured and truly embracing strategies of engagement. Then there’s the huge activity around crowd-funding, from individual campaigns that start small and suddenly accelerate to $20million, to the numerous individual crowdfunders inspired by simple, unfiltered storytelling such as those of Humans of New York.
Meanwhile, pretty much everywhere there are devoted intrapreneurs, changing established organisations from within. These people rarely get the same recognition as high-profile entrepreneurs, but their work can be every bit as effective.
And of course, even as we speak, there will be new initiatives taking off that we know nothing about yet. In all parts of the world we see initially loose ecosystems of changemakers morphing and uniting rapidly to find unexpected power through common cause. It’s a dynamic and invigorating time to be a changemaker.
‘This is article is from an interview that first appeared in Fundraising & Philanthropy magazine.’
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) conferences are world-renowned networking and educational opportunities where delegates and speakers come together to share their industry knowledge and expertise.
So what are the most exciting and unmissable aspects of attending an IFC event?? Here are the Top 5 things you won’t miss if you sign up for IFC Holland 2018:
1. Speakers from more than 30 countries
We’re thrilled to announce the lineup of IFC Holland 2018! Our speakers are influential industry leaders that will be bringing you their unique and diverse perspectives from 30 countries and 6 continents.
EUROPE: Lena Vizy, (Netherlands) Senior Fundraiser, Amnesty International
Fun Fact – Lena joined the fundraising team at Amnesty in 2013. Previously she worked as a Marketer for the National Opera and Ballet of the Netherlands and The Dutch Opera.
AFRICA: Bart Weetjens, (Tanzania,) Co-Lead, The Wellbeing Project
Fun Fact – Bart initiated the use of trained giant African pouched rats (HeroRATS) as an alternative and sustainable landmine detector, in response to the global landmine challenge.
SOUTH AMERICA: Marcelo Iniarra, (Argentina,) Founder/Creative Consultant MarceloIniarra.com
Fun Fact – Marcelo was one of the global pioneers of digital mobilisation in the social sector, leading the design and implementation of cyberactivism and fundraising at Greenpeace International.
NORTH AMERICA: Caroline Riseboro, (Canada,) President & CEO, Plan International
Fun Fact – In 2017, Caroline was named Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the trailblazer category and she is credited with launching campaigns that have engaged Canadians on some of the world’s toughest issues.
ASIA: Khaled Khalifa, (Saudi Arabia,) Regional Representative GCC, UNHCR
Fun Fact – Khaled has worked with major international organizations in countries including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Libya, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and KSA
AUSTRALIA: Nicola Norris, (Australia,) Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Fun Fact – Nicola has dedicated her career to increasing fundraising revenue for several NGOs including Greenpeace, the Heart Foundation and Amnesty International.
2. More than 100 education opportunities
At IFC Holland, you will have your choice of deep-dive Masterclasses, interactive Workshops, inspiring Plenaries, engaging Resource Cafe sessions, and Big Room lectures.
MASTERCLASSES: A 6 ½ hour session over 2 days
Your expert speaker will guide you through powerful learnings and interactive conversations, and you’ll come away with actionable solutions.
WORKSHOPS: Hands on Learnings
You’ll gain a wealth of practical, strategic learnings boiled down into 90-minute helpings served up by some of the most focused practitioners in the social impact sector.
THE RESOURCE CAFE: Informal, fluid, conversational
The more intimate setting and less structured agendas are well suited to a lively Q&A format and an overall feeling of ‘Together We Can’ among everyone in the room.
BIG ROOM: Lectures that inspire conversation
It’s all about The Big Picture: Bigger-than-life speakers, in front of a big crowd on a big stage in a big room, talking about The Big Issues.
PLENARIES: Keynote sessions to effect change
Our opening and closing plenary sessions are specially created for IFC Holland. They are designed to inspire, to educate, and to challenge you to stretch your heart and mind, your ambition and your self-belief.
3. Networking, networking, networking
With over 1000 delegates and over 100 speakers, at IFC Holland, you’ll be gaining up-close-and-personal access to the leading changemakers of the social impact sector. Strike up a conversation about journey mapping over coffee. Learn about digital innovations from a new friend at a cocktail reception. Trade stories about rethinking fundraising strategy while dancing at the IFC Holland Gala.
And for more structured networking opportunities, don’t miss Lunch & Learns, Power Hours, and Special Social Sessions like yoga and wellness activities.
And don’t forget to “be social!” Connect with your new friends and colleagues on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook and be sure to tag #IFCHolland in your posts!
4. A chance to learn more about The Resource Alliance
The Resource Alliance was founded in 1981 as a support network to keep delegates connected and engaged between conferences. Today’s Resource Alliance still serves as a bridge from IFC to IFC, but its role and reach have expanded to include myriad education and leadership training opportunities, and a mission to foster and support collaboration within the global social impact sector.
At IFC Holland, you’ll have the chance to meet our team, learn about our global IFC events and impacts, and to discover how you can become an active member of our community. Don’t be shy when you see one of us! We’d like nothing more than to tell you more about our Mission!
5. Be INSPIRED!
You’ll hear new stories, new perspectives, enjoy specially curated sessions that you won’t see anywhere else, including our opening and closing keynotes, and you’ll discover that you are part of an amazing global movement for change.
Opening Plenary: Together We Can
Expect music. Expect powerful personal stories. Expect a call for radical collaboration. Expect to be challenged by:
- Mesmerizing Argentinian pianist Sergio Feferovich – a musician with a message
- Asha Curran, one of the minds behind the phenomenon that is #GivingTuesday, exploring what it looks like to put New Power principles into action
- DSIL Global CEO Katy Grennier with a profound and personal call for our work to be driven by a radical approach to inclusion and problem solving
- This specially created plenary will be hosted by the co-founder of Socialgiver.com, Aliza Napartivaumnuay
Closing plenary: I am a little bird and I will fly into the sky
How do you get from one of the darkest places imaginable, to a place of empowerment, even joy?
Listen to this closing plenary from Esther Dingemans, Director, The Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation, and you will begin to understand how such an extraordinary journey can be possible.
There’s no end to the chances and connections you won’t make if you don’t join us from 16-19 October, so register today for IFC Holland!
And thanks to our corporate travel partnership with Dutch airline KLM, they are kindly offering discounted flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol for IFC delegates. When you book your tickets through us, you’ll be eligible to receive 15% off your KLM flights to IFC between 10-24 October 2018. That means you can schedule a few days before or after the conference to explore the beautiful canals, historic architecture, and exciting cultural attractions of Amsterdam!
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) brings together a thousand changemakers, innovators, and thought leaders from over 60 countries to address the biggest challenges facing our world today. From 16-19 October, you’ll work together to create plans and calls to actions. You’ll meet your heroes, share your stories, and leave with a renewed sense of community and hope.
At IFC Holland 2018: Together We Can, we will be addressing the hottest topics and most relevant trends in the industry. And believe us, you don’t want to miss out on any of the action! When you register early for IFC Holland, you’ll get first dibs on deep-dive Masterclasses, on-site 4 star accommodation, and ticket options that match your goals and your budget.
Here are the Top Reasons Early Birds Win at IFC Holland 2018
You’ll secure the Masterclass of your choice!
IFC Masterclasses are deep-dive sessions led by industry leaders covering today’s most relevant topics in learning tracks like Leadership, Innovation, Strategy, Communications, and of course Fundraising. Masterclasses are 6 ½ hour sessions held over two days. With a maximum of 40 participants each, the sessions are designed to be interactive and intensive, guaranteeing that you’ll come away with practical and strategic learnings.
Whether you’re interested in learning about Journey Mapping or Digital Fundraising, Building Corporate Sponsorships or improving your #DonorLove, you’ll need to register for your session in advance to secure attendance.
You’ll be eligible for discounted KLM airfare to Holland!
Thanks to our corporate travel partnership with Dutch airline KLM, they are kindly offering discounted flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol for IFC delegates. When you book your tickets through us, you’ll be eligible to receive 15% off your KLM flights to IFC between 10-24 October 2018. There are only a limited number of discounted tickets available, and you must be able to provide proof of your IFC Holland 2018 registration.
You’ll be able to reserve 4 star on-site accommodation!
IFC Holland is held at the four star conference centre NH Leeuwenhorst Hotel, approximately 30-40 minutes away from Amsterdam City Centre and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The on-site rooms in the conference centre are reserved for delegates who have booked the Masterclass Programme only and are on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only a limited number of onsite rooms available at at NH Leeuwenhorst Hotel, so late registrants will have to stay off-site at one of our satellite hotels, accessible by shuttle bus service
You’ll be able to choose a ticket type to suit your goals & budget!
IFC Holland offers a variety of ticket tiers that vary by conference access level and accommodation type (Economy – Deluxe:)
- If you book our IFC programme that includes an intensive Masterclass with accommodation, the cost includes 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, 4 lunches (Tuesday to Friday), 3 evening meals including entry into our Gala night, tea & coffee and of course attendance to our workshops and big room sessions.
- If you book our standard IFC programme (not including access to our Masterclasses) with accommodation, the cost includes 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, 3 lunches (Wednesday to Friday), 2 evening meals including entry into our Gala night, tea & coffee and attendance at to our workshops and big room sessions.
When you book ahead, you can choose the package that’s right for you.
IFC Holland is an investment in you, your organisation, your cause, and the change you want to see and create in the world! When you register for IFC Holland early, you’ll have the opportunity to make the absolute most out of your experience.
Don’t let #FOMO get you down! Book your ticket today and together we can have the best and most impactful #IFCHolland experience yet!
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) brings together 1000s of changemakers, innovators, and thought leaders from over 60 countries to address the biggest challenges facing our world today. For four days in October, we work together to create plans and calls to actions. We meet our heroes, share our stories, and leave with a renewed sense of community and hope.
At IFC Holland: Together We Can, we will also be addressing the hottest topics and most relevant trends in the industry. Through deep-dive Masterclasses, interactive Workshops, inspiring Plenaries, and even over coffee, industry experts will present invaluable insights from both their successes and their failures in sectors ranging from Fundraising and Philanthropy to Leadership and Communications and Digital Innovations.
Here are the 5 Burning Questions IFC 2018 Will Answer for the Social Impact Sector:
1. What is “people-powered change” and why should I care?
If you want to learn more about the latest advocacy and campaigning methodologies that can engage millions and inspire them to act, don’t miss “Creating people-powered change: campaigning theories, strategies and tactics to engage and mobilise people to action,”
Learning Outcomes:
- How to develop public mobilisation campaign strategies that engage supporters and motivate them to take meaningful action
- How to leverage culture to develop stories that inspire supporters
- How to design outreach strategies and tactics to recruit new supporters and reach existing ones effectively
This engaging Masterclass is taught by Michael Silberman, Senior Digital Campaigns Strategist, Mobilisation Lab and Gautam Raju, Campaign Director, Purpose.
2. Who are the new philanthropists – and how do I reach them?
The exponential growth of new foundations and new money across the globe means that we need to create new ways of reaching these diverse and evolving sectors. “New Foundations, New Money: Getting into the Minds of Today’s Philanthropists” will be your guide to finding innovative solutions.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the size, scope and trends of the new wave of foundations in Europe and Asia
- Understand the relevance and importance of social enterprise in new foundation finance
- Understand the role of advisors, including the banks, in developing relationships in this segment
This interactive Masterclass is taught by Christopher Carnie, Founder and Director, Factary and Rafia Qureshi, Executive Director, The Womanity Foundation.
3. How do I make my messaging stick?
What are the secrets to messaging in a world where technologies are constantly evolving? How does successful messaging really connect, engage, and push people to act? Find out how during “Sticky Marketing Troubleshooting Session – Interactive Resource Cafe Session.”
Learning Outcomes:
- Move beyond theory to viable marketing and communications solutions
- Gain a strategic understanding of the new rules of engaging with stakeholders, volunteers and donors
- Address YOUR questions and challenges and bring home a plan of action for creating impactful messaging
This personalized session is taught by Grant Leboff, CEO, Sticky Marketing Club Kyla Shawyer, CEO, The Resource Alliance.
4. 500,000 new supporters from Facebook? Really?
Are you ready for a social media success story that also comes with step-by-step guidance to achieve your own scalable digital transformation? Don’t miss “500k New Supporters From Facebook. Who Said Digital Isn’t Scalable?”
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how to SCALE digital using Facebook and an acquisition funnel.
- Learn the key tactics for boosting online-only conversion to reduce the impact on tele-marketing
- Understand the key organisational challenges and opportunities of moving to a digital lead generation and conversion programme
This active Workshop is taught by Nick Burne, Founder CEO, RAISETHRU and Danni Adam, Senior Direct Marketing Executive, Greenpeace.
5. Are we ready to #ShiftThePower?
We can all agree that it’s about time for open and frank conversations about our industry. “It’s time to talk about power and grassroots fundraising. Are we ready to #ShiftThePower?” will address why and how we fundraise in non-traditional countries and the impact we have — for good or for bad.
Learning Outcomes:
- A reflection and discussion around power and values in our work, and whether our practices and tools support or undermine them
- An appreciation of fundraising / local resource mobilization as a core development strategy
- An introduction to the #ShiftThePower movement
This debate-style Resource Cafe Session is taught by Corine Aartman, Consultant/Trainer, Wilde Ganzen Foundation and Jenny Hodgson, Executive Director, Global Fund for Community Foundations.
Join us this year from 16-18 October to boldly answer the burning questions of our time. Together We Can share our knowledge and break down walls!
With theme of “Together We Can,” this year’s International Fundraising Congress (IFC) will offer opportunities for fundraisers, innovators, changemakers, and game changers to network and share ideas. But above all, you will be able to put your heads and heart together to collaboratively overcome the biggest challenges we face in the social impact sector today.
Through deep-dive Masterclasses, interactive Workshops, inspiring Plenaries, and even over coffee, industry experts will present invaluable insights from both their successes and their failures in sectors ranging from Fundraising and Philanthropy to Leadership and Communications and Digital Innovations.
There is no end to the possibilities of what you will take away from ”Together We Can,” but we wanted to share our hotlist of the Top 5 Things You’ll Learn from IFC Holland 2018:
1. Blockchain Technology and You
“Blockchain” is one of the newest buzzwords to hit the beat this year. But what does this tech trend have to do with your organization, and how can you harness it’s potential? During the “Innovation in Fundraising: The Blockchain” Workshop, Duncan Cook, CEO, 3 Sided Cube, will breakdown blockchain opportunities for fundraisers, and examine, “how it could change the way charities work in the future.”
Together we can… use tech for good to make the world a better place!
2. The Science Behind Support
Have you ever wondered what exactly makes some people more generous than others? The innovative Big Room Session “The Neuroscience of Philanthropy: A Fundraisers’ Guide to How Supporter Brains Work” will address the science behind giving. You’ll learn surprising facts about the way we think and make decisions, and how to improve your communications from Bernard Ross, Director, The Management Centre (=mc), Meredith Niles, Executive Director of Fundraising & Engagement, Marie Curie UK, Omar Mahmoud, Chief of Market Knowledge, UNICEF, Geoffrey Peters, CEO, Moore DM Group.
Together we can… use our brains for social good!
3. Journey Mapping for the Win
Understanding the “donor experience” is a critical step to engaging long-term sustainable giving. Through the process of Journey Mapping, you will learn about the who, what, when, where, and how’s of what motivates your donors. With this knowledge, you will discover how, “to transform how you view, and support, your donors,” through the Masterclass, “Journey Mapping: Empathize with your donors so they can empathize with your cause. Learn to map your donors’ journeys to better understand and meet their needs, and your own.” Speakers include Michael Johnston, President and Founder, hjc, Diana Ruano Ortiz, Global Donor Development Manager, UNHCR, and Brian Walsh, Principal, Structured Empathy.
Together we can… transform our donor relationships!
4. Putting Digital First in Your Integrated Campaign
Has your organization been victim to the war between fundraising, communications and campaigns? In reality, these aspects of your foundation must be working together to achieve your goals. In the Workshop “Radical future: How digital-first campaigning organisations are changing fundraising forever,” you’ll discover how to integrate your strategies to focus on the infinite potential of digital. You’ll learn from real-world success models from Jon Lloyd, Advocacy Campaigns Manager, Mozilla and Anne Isakowitsch, Senior Campaigner, SumOfUs.org and Co-Founder, Campaign Bootcamp Germany.
Together we can… make radical change possible through digital!
5. Improve your Corporate Fundraising Game
Do you feel like you simply cannot compete with Big Brands when it comes to acquiring corporate partnerships? You are not alone! Believe it or not, there are ways for organisations of all sizes to successfully compete in the corporate fundraising game. “The making of a modern corporate fundraiser: How to win breakthrough corporate partnerships and develop your own personal influence” will give you the tools and the confidence to “compete and win against bigger names and bigger budgets.” Workshop hosted by Adam Heuman, Director of Engagement, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Helena Sharpstone, Director/Co-owner, Sharpstone Skinner.
Together we can… gain the confidence to achieve our fundraising goals!
Whatever challenges or goals you face, at IFC Holland 2018, you will meet like-minded peers and mentors to help you on your fundraising journey. Whether you’re a fundraiser newbie or an established industry thought leader, you’ll leave IFC with a renewed sense of community and the connections you’ll need to achieve your mission.
In October 2017, the international fundraising and social impact community gathered together for 4 days outside Amsterdam to spark conversations that would collectively change the course of the fundraising world. IFC Holland 2017: A New Conversation was attended by over 1000 delegates from 60 countries, eager to share their social impact knowledge and experience with each other, because it is only by working together that we can overcome the challenges that face our world.
Through deep-dive Masterclasses, interactive Workshops, inspiring Plenaries, and even over coffee, industry experts presented invaluable insights from both their successes and their failures in sectors ranging from Fundraising and Philanthropy to Leadership and Communications and Digital Innovations.
While what we learned from the conference could certainly fill a book, our Top 5 Learnings from IFC Holland 2017 were:
1 . Rethinking the Value of Volunteers
Delegates were urged to specifically rethink their attitudes towards volunteers as not just “free labor,” but instead as key team players. Volunteers are the backbone of our industry. Without them, we would not be able to effect the change our organisations are striving to achieve. IFC Holland taught us that by empowering our volunteer networks to be more active and engaged with staff, together we can achieve our missions!
2. Showing Some Donor Love
“Donor Fatigue” is plaguing the sector. The conundrum is that the more desperately we try to reach our donors for support, the less likely they are to give. Speakers at IFC Holland 2017 challenged us to rethink how we engage with our donor base by deepening these relationships. This can be achieved by opening the lines of communication, encouraging collaborations, and generally showing our donors some much needed LOVE!
3. Overcoming Barriers to New Innovations
In our digitally driven world, innovation is king. In the nonprofit world, “the Bottom Line” is what takes precedence, often leaving many small to mid-sized organizations vulnerable to being left behind because of bandwidth, finances, and fear of failure. IFC 2017 sessions focused on giving us the tools to recognize and overcome barriers to innovation, specifically how to operate in a climate that encourages risk and allows for failure, thus creating outcomes the might never have otherwise realized.
4. Marketing to Millennials
The future of fundraising is the Millennial Market – but how do we reach this digitally-obsessed, short-attention-spanned market that demands transparency, results, and above all “realness?” IFC 2017 delegates learned how young people can be cultivated from “awareness to activism to giving.” This youth demographic requires new ways of thinking, non-conventional outreach, and revolutionary campaigning, long before they even have the capacity to give. One thing is for sure: Millenials are definitely worth the investment from our industry.
5. Beyond Fundraising
One of the most common themes running through IFC Holland 2017 was that social impact depends on more than just fundraising. For sustainable growth and long-term success, we must begin to explore innovative financing and partnership opportunities. Because of the temperamental nature of fundraising, our very survival depends upon being open to new ideas – even including sharing our success secrets with each other… which is exactly what IFC is all about!
After all the sessions, networking opportunities, and plenaries, we could all agree that conversation and collaboration are vitally necessary to invigorate and sustain our social impact work. Building on the learnings of 2017, this year’s IFC will focus on the theme of “Together We Can.” We hope that you can join the conversation from 16-18 October, 2018 in Holland where together we can change the world!