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"The IFC represents the scope and future of philanthropy in ways no other conference can: the broad representation of people from countries that span the globe, the eagerness by attendees and presenters to share innovative applications and the quality and balance of the sessions which are each carefully selected for inclusion. The attendees are curious and open to new ideas, and the limited size of the conference ensures sessions in which interaction occurs between participants and presenters, enriching the experience of both."
Kay Sprinkel Grace, Founder and Principal , Transforming Philanthropy, LLC
“It was easier than expected to talk to anyone you want to. People are open and friendly. It's a truly international conference, which gives you a great sense of working in a greater whole for a better world”.
Anke Plas, Coordination and Communication, Metakids, The Netherlands
“Again, during evaluation, the Resource Alliance asked us what to do to make the IFC even better. But why? Do they want to add an ‘even more than excellent’ additional tick box in next year’s evaluation form? Friends at the Resource Alliance, the IFC is already the best of the best of the best, you can’t try to improve for ever! Just celebrate how excellent already the IFC is, and keep that level for the next editions.”
Ilja De Coster, Partner, EthiCom, Belgium
"The IFC is a great opportunity to share experiences with other delegates who operate in environments similar to mine, and engage in discussions with international speakers during the sessions and social events. For me, the best part of the conference was the breathtaking Opening Plenary and the workshops and mini-courses. I learned a huge amount for myself and my organisation including how to use the internet for fund raising and techniques of approaching donors, thank you."
Mungule D. Chikoye, Executive Director, In-Service Training Trust of Zambia, Zambia
“I have to reserve more time for this congress in order to make maximum use of the fantastic programme and networking opportunities!"
Katharina van Hemessen-Grosser, Major Donor Fundraiser, SOS Children’s Village, Netherlands
“Tony Myers' and Scott Decksheimer's session at the IFC- "Origins of giving- affairs of the heart" was about the heart and soul of fundraising and absolutely more than I imagined, thank-you to them both".
Robert van Boven, Stichting Mensenkinderen, The Netherlands
“This is the one event in the calendar where all the key international thought leaders, leading charities and supporting agencies are all present in numbers. Atos Origin found the conference excellent both in terms of business opportunities and developing our own awareness and knowledge of the key trends and initiatives in the sector. A very well organised, interesting and fun event. We will ensure we are there again next year.”
Giles Hutchins, Head of CRM Head of CRM, Atos Origin, UK
"Networking with so many people from different countries was invaluable to me and I have already started to follow up the contacts made during the conference. So far I have facilitated three important trainings on fundraising and resource mobilization, and have managed to develop a three year fundraising plan."
Constance Kekihembo Tinka, Excecutive Director, Katalemwa Cheshire Home, Uganda
"Being from Australia the breadth and depth of speakers attracts me as does the predominance of UK/ European speakers who are philosophically and culturally relevant to me. I always have found the Master Classes most beneficial (this was my 3rd time at IFC) and I have never been disappointed with my selection. Just one bit of advice for newcomers...BOOK EARLY to ensure you get the class of your choice!! I also always find the opportunity to network with people from so many countries and stages in development experience to be stimulating and encouraging. The IFC met my expectations with the calibre of speakers, the breadth and scope of the presentations and the networking opportunities. Nothing struck me as less than useful, much of the information I do know, but it is a refreshing experience, I'll be back!"
Alicia Watson CFRE, CFRM, MFIA, Director, What'sOn Consulting, Australia
"It truly is the place to meet people, network and learn. I felt lifted by the presence of so many sector leaders and I look forward to 2008 plans".
Adrian Cutcliffe, Marketing Manager, Blackbaud, UK
“I was one of a relatively small group of delegates from Africa that attended the 27th IFC. It was the best congress that I have ever attended in my more than 24 years of working in the Third Sector and I found the experience incredibly enriching. I was able to start implementing lessons learned at the congress the moment I got back to work. A highlight was the Richard Radcliffe session on Legacy Fundraising – this workshop alone made the congress 100% worthwhile. The information Richard shared so generously will certainly transform the way we approach this crucial part of our work. Please convey my heartfelt appreciation to all concerned at The Resource Alliance.”
Erna Prinsloo, Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Head of National Projects, South Africa
“I attended the IFC to gather new fundraising skills and learn how to build on our existing fundraising model here at Ronald McDonald House Auckland, of particular interest was how to further develop our Bequest programme. I came away from IFC with a feeling that Bequests are still an untapped resource almost everywhere. Investing in a Bequest programme should be a key part of any fundraising plan, so to is having a user-friendly website. Ted Hart’s “10 Rules For Online Success” was a real highlight for me. He provided some key basic tips that I believe every charity could benefit from. I certainly came away from IFC feeling that Bequests and online giving are where fundraising is heading”.
Rebecca Shadwell, Fundraising & Communications Auckland, New Zealand
“The IFC 2007 was the most organised and professional conference we have attended. Everything from transfers from the airport, booking into the accommodation and knowing where things were happening. As a sponsor and exhibitor the whole event went very smoothly with the delegates keen to learn how they can increase their fundraising activities. The Gala Dinner was the icing on the cake to finish off a great conference, it gave everyone the chance to relax and digest the new information they had gathered while still networking”.
Donna McNicholas, Sales Manager, Ellipsis Media, UK
“The Forum was such a wonderful opportunity for Legacy Books. I enjoyed the tremendous energy of the entire environment! We would definitely want to participate again”
Aoko Midiwo-Odembo, Director, Legacy Bookstall, Kenya
"The 27th IFC was an incredible experience for us. We found a huge number of business opportunities as a result of the conference and are currently in the process of following up such a number of successful leads that I would say that the IFC has completely added value to our organisation, as well as increasing our profile. I attend numerous fundraising conferences each year but can safely say that the International Fundraising Congress is the best in the world; the spirit, passion energy and pursuit of innovation is second to none and I will definitely be attending next year with all of my colleagues".
Michael Kaufman, VP Business Development, Vismail, UK
“The event is great opportunity to meet with dynamic and respected fundraisers from around the world. Moreover, a company benefits from heightened exposure to key decision makers from the sector"
Michelle McMahon, Business Development Manager, Ammado, UK
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