IFC 2026./PHOTO; AI
The global fundraising and philanthropy sector will gather in the Netherlands this October for the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) 2026, as nonprofit leaders and social impact practitioners continue to navigate a period of significant change.
Scheduled for 20 to 23 October, the annual congress, convened by the Resource Alliance, brings together thousands of participants from nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, activism, and social movements.
Over the years, IFC has served as a space for skills-building, collaboration, and debate on fundraising, power, ethics, innovation, and financial sustainability within the social impact sector.
This year’s gathering comes at a time when many organizations are facing shrinking donor confidence, economic uncertainty, and growing pressure to demonstrate impact in ways that are transparent and community-driven.
Across the nonprofit sector, questions of trust, accountability, and power have become increasingly central.
Fundraising models that have traditionally relied on institutional donors and conventional campaigns are being tested by changing public attitudes, emerging technologies, and growing calls for more equitable approaches to financing social change.
It is within this context that IFC 2026 will convene.
This year’s theme, “Unstoppable,” reflects wider conversations across philanthropy about challenging systems that some practitioners argue are no longer serving communities effectively.
For some, this means rethinking how funding decisions are made.
For others, it involves confronting long-standing imbalances over who holds influence, who sets priorities, and whose voices remain excluded from decision-making.
The congress is expected to explore these issues through sessions, masterclasses, and workshops focused on the realities of fundraising in an increasingly complex environment.
Topics likely to shape discussions include ethical fundraising, trust-based giving, digital innovation, donor retention, and the growing role of technology in how organizations communicate and mobilize support.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently, as nonprofits assess how it can improve efficiency, strengthen engagement, and reshape donor communication strategies.
Beyond technical learning, the congress also offers insight into how philanthropy itself is evolving.
The sector continues to face pressure from multiple fronts, including reductions in development aid, rising operational costs, and growing scrutiny over how resources are allocated.
At the same time, community-led giving models are gaining attention, challenging organizations to rethink partnership, participation, and ownership.
As these conversations continue to evolve, IFC 2026 will offer a snapshot of the ideas, tensions, and strategies shaping the future of fundraising. Registrations for the congress are currently ongoing.
