EUConsult Information Service
2007 November
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News / Resources
Sector News/Resources
- Launch of first European qualification framework for fundraisers
The European Fundraising Association (EFA) launched the first Europe-wide qualification framework for fundraising, at the International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands. The first national fundraising qualifications to achieve ‘EFA Certified’ status, awarded at launch, are:
- France – Certificat Francaise du Fundraising, Association Française des Fundraisers
- Germany - Fundraising Manager, Fundraising Akademie / Deutscher Fundraising Verband
- Hungary - Európai Adományszervezési menedzser oklevél
A Civil Társadalom Fejlődéséért Alapívány - Sweden - EFA-certifiering, FRII (Frivilligorganisationernas Insamlingsrĺd)
- UK – Certificate in Fundraising Management, Institute of Fundraising
Aiming to raise standards in fundraising across Europe and to promote philanthropy, EFA Certification recognises professional fundraising qualifications of the highest standard. All EFA Certified fundraising qualifications must meet EFA’s common competency framework and syllabus and be delivered in accordance with their training delivery guidelines. Dr Marita Haibach, President of EFA, a network of the leading national fundraising associations across Europe, says:
“Fundraising is a rapidly advancing profession. Only by establishing robust and professional standards, can the sector build public trust in not-for profit organisations, and encourage philanthropy. An EFA Certified qualification is a fundraising ‘passport’ that brings both recognition and mobility to work in other cultures to a shared set of principles. We are delighted to announce that qualifications from France, Germany, Hungary, Sweden and the UK have all been EFA Certified. We would encourage other European nations to develop training to such a high standard.”
European Fundraising Association / EFA Certification
- Changes to Charity Law in Germany
On 6 July 2007 the German parliament passed the "Gesetz zur weiteren Stärkung des bürgerschaftlichen Engagements" (law to further strengthen civil engagement). The law was confirmed by the parliament’s upper house on 21 September 2007. The most important improvement for fundraisers is that donations are now tax-deductible to up to 20% (this was previously 5-10%). The Maecentata Institute has put together a list of the most important changes in respect of foundations.
Maecenata document (PDF)
- Ireland - Regulation of fundraising by charities through legislation and codes of good practice
The Irish Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has entered an agreement with Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd (ICTR) to carry out research and make recommendations on how the operational aspects of charitable fundraising can be effectively regulated through Codes of Good Practice. The Working Group set up in July 2007 (based on feedback from the second consultation phase) has completed a draft statement of ‘General Principles for Fundraising’ setting out a proposed list of overarching principles for fundraisers in Ireland. This document is now available for consultation and is being widely circulated. The closing date for submissions in response to the document is Friday 16 November 2007.
ICTR / Draft Statement of General Principles for Fundraising (PDF)
- Fundraising Ireland holds second networking event
Following on from its launch in June 2007, Fundraising Ireland held its second networking event in Dublin on 6 November 2007. Daryl Upsall gave a keynote address at the event, which addressed Trends and Challenges for Fundraising.
- What does good governance mean in Europe? Seeking the Common Ground
This workshop, which took place at the acevo (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) international conference in London on 19 October, was the first step in a collaborative project between The Governance Hub (with EUConsult member Linda Laurance as Project Co-ordinator), acevo, and NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations). The workshop looked at recent developments in third sector governance in a number of European countries. Its aim was to identify commonalities and explore the possibility of developing a set of principles to support governance in a pan-European context. Speakers from Germany, Sweden and Estonia gave accounts from their respective countries and a speaker from the Social Platform gave insight into how this umbrella organisation views governance. The presentations and discussion highlighted the diversity of the European third sector where different regulatory systems and cultural attitudes prevail in different countries, and also identified some of the common concerns, including:
- Transparency, accountability, public trust and confidence
- Changes in the relationship between governance and the third sector
- Changes in the sector itself as organisations grow and take on new roles
- An interest in governance development as a means of strengthening organisations
Suggested next steps are a future workshop where governance questions can be examined further and research to produce more evidence of what is happening in the European sector today. The long-term outcomes of the Pan–European Governance Principles Initiative are to create:
- A set of principles flexible enough to be applied in various national and regulatory contexts
- A toolkit to help organisations implement good governance practice
- An informal network of third sector organisations across the EU sharing learning and taking the practice of good governance to a new level.
EUConsult members who would like to see a more detailed report on the workshop, be kept informed of developments and/or participate in future activity in relation to this initiative, are welcome to email linda(at)laurance.demon.co.uk
