Speaker applications
Speaker applications have now closed.
The International Fundraising Congress is a platform to share learnings and best practices from around the world. Do you have a topic that you’re passionate about? Are you an expert in your area? Are you working on something new you think the whole social impact world could benefit from?
The Resource Alliance is hugely appreciative of its wonderful community of speakers and it is important to us that our speakers represent a diverse range of voices and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from younger voices and from Global Majority countries keen to share their expertise.
This year’s theme is Break Through. You can find out more about the theme here. Workshop proposals should align with this theme.
Application requirements
The submission deadline for workshop proposals was Friday 28 February 2025. Proposals are being reviewed by the IFC Advisory Panel and successful applicants will be contacted tentatively by the end of March.
Sessions should align with one of the following:
- Redefining Leadership & Power
- Technology for Good
- Revolutionising Fundraising & Funding
- The Power of Communications
- Restructuring for Impact & Inclusion
- Aligning Resources with Global Challenges
- Transforming Philanthropy for a Just Future
To submit an application, you will be required to submit the following:
- Your personal information
- A high resolution headshot (this will only be used if your application is successful)
- A summary of your session topic
- A suggested title for your session and a description/overview of what will be covered (200 words max.)
- Three learning outcomes (these should be unique and not a verbatim repeat of what is contained in the session description)
- Key takeaways
- A short informal video (two minutes max.), which can be recorded on your phone or laptop, telling us why your session should be included in our 2025 programme (this video is for internal use only and will not be published)
- Details of your cospeaker/s (if applicable)
Why should you apply to speak at IFC?
Leading a session at IFC is your chance to showcase your ideas to a global audience and raise awareness of your work outside your own circles. The International Fundraising Congress has been running for over 40 years; as a speaker, you’ll join a roster that has included world-renowned authors, activists, researchers, and thought leaders.
Our speakers receive mentorship and guidance from the IFC Advisory Panel, an independent group of social impact leaders selected from across the globe who help us shape the event every year. Speakers receive a complimentary ticket to the event, valued at up to GBP £3,045, including your accommodation and all of your meals. We do not cover travel expenses as standard, but if this is a barrier to attendance you can apply for a travel support bursary.
Who should apply
In our call for speakers for IFC, we look for:
Proven expertise: As a speaker, you will need to demonstrate a proven track record of experience in your chosen field, as well as great presentation skills.
New ideas: We strive to present cutting-edge content and the latest in social impact innovation. Alternatively, we also love to receive fresh and innovative takes on the basics.
Diversity: We welcome applications from new and returning speakers who are a mix of practitioners and consultants as well as those in the corporate sphere. We strive to have a balance of speakers across the gender identity spectrum with a variety of needs and abilities. We place a high value on including a diverse range of voices in every session, in particular those from underrepresented communities, and want to hear from speakers from all over the world. Proposals should reflect this value both in who is presenting and in the content delivered.
Balance: Speakers from agencies, consultancies, and service providers must invite a co-presenter from an NGO client to provide a strong balance of theory and practice in the ideas and strategies presented. Two speakers from the same organisation may not present together in the same session.