Call for speaker template
The Resource Alliance has opened its official call for speaker proposals for the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) 2026, inviting practitioners, leaders, and specialists from across the global fundraising and civil society ecosystem to help shape the programme for next year’s event.
IFC 2026 will take place from 20 to 23 October 2026 as a hybrid event, with in-person sessions hosted in Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands, alongside online participation for a global audience.
The call marks the start of preparations for the congress and encourages both new and returning speakers to submit session ideas that reflect the realities of a rapidly evolving sector.
Organisers say they are particularly keen to hear from diverse voices working in different contexts around the world, including first-time speakers who can bring fresh perspectives and expand conversations around fundraising, leadership, and social impact.
What the International Fundraising Congress is
The International Fundraising Congress is one of the world’s largest and most established gatherings for fundraisers, social impact leaders, and civil society organisations.
Convened annually by the Resource Alliance, IFC brings together thousands of participants from nonprofits, philanthropy, activism, and social movements.
Over the years, Congress has become a key global platform for skills-building, collaboration, and debate on the future of fundraising, power, ethics, innovation, and financial sustainability in the social impact sector.
Session formats: workshops and masterclasses
For IFC 2026, the Resource Alliance has introduced changes to its submission process and is accepting proposals for two session formats at the same time: workshops and masterclasses.
Workshops are 75-minute interactive sessions designed to share practical learning, tools, or approaches that participants can apply directly to their work.
These sessions are expected to encourage discussion, participation, and shared learning, rather than being delivered as traditional lecture-style presentations.
Masterclasses are designed as in-depth, immersive learning experiences, running for a total of six hours split across two sessions on the first two days of the event.
These sessions are aimed at experienced practitioners or specialists with the depth and perspective needed to guide sustained learning on one topic in detail.
Theme and priority focus areas for 2026
All session proposals must align with the IFC 2026 theme, “Unstoppable: Reimagine. Reclaim. Rebuild.”
The theme reflects growing momentum across the sector as fundraisers, leaders, and movements respond to uncertainty, challenge inherited systems, and build new ways of working rooted in purpose and impact.
The organisers are particularly keen to receive proposals aligned with the following priority areas:
- Fundraising and resourcing
- Marketing, communications, and public narrative
- Audiences, supporters, and public behaviour
- Leadership, power, and ways of working
- Innovation, change, and learning
- Technology, AI, and digital practice
- Financial sustainability
- Civil society, activism, and global perspectives
Application requirements and key deadlines
Prospective speakers are required to complete an application form providing basic personal and organisational details, including name, role, country, and LinkedIn profile.
In addition, the application requires a session title and description, three key learning outcomes, an explanation of the applicant’s connection to the topic, and details of one additional contributor, where applicable.
Detailed information on how to apply can be accessed the Resource Alliance
The deadline for submissions is 02 February 2026, with successful speakers expected to be notified by 06 March 2026.
The Resource Alliance says the call for speakers is an opportunity to ensure IFC 2026 reflects the diversity, creativity, and critical thinking shaping the future of fundraising and civil society worldwide.
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