23 Oct A Truly Inspirational International Fundraising Congress!

Reflecting on the incredible experience the Upsall International Team had attending the International Fundraising Congress #IFC2025, in the Netherlands last week, we are incredibly pleased to have shared in the collaborative, positive, and truly inspiring experience and we are very proud to have been a sponsor of this key event.

Year on year, the IFC is an amazing opportunity for knowledge sharing, networking and innovating new ideas, but this year, more than ever, the spirit of collaboration and bravery in our sector shone.

The powerful opening plenary “Breaking Through: The Courage to Rethink, Reinvent and Take Action” by lifelong activist, Loretta Ross, Associate Professor, Women and Gender, Smith College, USA, fired us up for the next few days. Discussing the idea of “calling in, not calling out”, she urged us to bring people closer to our causes rather than push them away…even if they are different.

With a theme of “Breakthrough”, it was our great pleasure to hear the stories of the incredible resilience and innovative initiatives happening right now, particularly inspiring was Amnesty International Argentina’s videogame engagement initiative and UNHCR’s influencer engagement campaign.  2025 has been a difficult time in our sector, so to see non-profits around the world adapting boldly to embrace new challenges was both impressive and inspirational.

Furthermore, the honesty and openness of those sharing both challenges and success stories are very much appreciated. It was evident that our sector is a place of individuals and teams committed to true openness and in-depth knowledge sharing in pursuit of a better world for all.

Not only have our team left the congress with new knowledge, inspiration, and an increased appreciation for the work that so many of you do, but this year’s IFC was also vital for Upsall International as we took our new rebrand out into the world.

After months of teamwork behind the scenes, it was exciting to finally share the rebrand of Upsall International, our refreshed look, strong messaging, and plan to continue to support the non-profit world. Staying innovative and keeping our finger on the pulse is vital, and being a part of the IFC enables us to continue to do so.

For our Founder/President, Daryl Upsall, “It was one of the very best IFC’s I have ever participated in, which is saying something having attended 35! The Upsall International Team was thrilled to be at the heart of it.”

It was also wonderful to have the opportunity to meet with so many of you face-to-face at IFC, and we are so looking forward to connecting with you further. It is our great pleasure to work as a partner to the non-profit sector, and we are honoured to support so many vital organisations.

Inspirational closing keynote speaker Brave Khwima Mhonie, General Manager, Sunny Money/Solar Aid had us on our feet and in tears, sharing his story of bringing solar light to the remotest parts of Malawi. His message sent us on our way from IFC 2025 lit up to change the world.

“Without fundraisers, dreams stay as ideas. With fundraisers, dreams are reality.”

Brave Khwima Mhonie,

Thank you to the IFC and to all those in attendance for a wonderful experience – we eagerly await IFC 2026!

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