Fundraising Convention is more than just an event - it’s a moment when the entire charity and fundraising community comes together to connect, learn, and grow. In this historic blog, Jonathan Levy, Trustee at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, shares a personal perspective on why Convention matters, highlighting its inclusive spirit, diverse learning opportunities, and the powerful sense of belonging it creates for fundraisers at every stage of their journey.  Whilst the focus of the blog is on Convention 2024 the sentiments are relevant to the current convention with the theme of 'Small Shifts, Big Impact'. Each year Convention builds upon itself, at it's core it's purpose and principals remain the same. 

  • Jonathan Levy
  • Trustee, Chartered Institute of Fundraising

The first week of July consists of two of my favourite days of the year. Why? Because each year they bring about Europe’s most glorious professional fundraising event, Fundraising Convention.

Curated by fundraisers, for fundraisers, this year’s event will be held between 3-4 July, once again at the QEII Centre London, following last year’s well-received move.

Fundraising Convention is the one time of year where we meet as a sector, and the 2024 theme is Learning and Thriving Together. This theme speaks of a collective intention to connect, grow, support, and continually increase impact as a fundraising community. We may not all feel that we’re thriving right now, but it’s certainly desirable to thrive.

 

A packed programme

This year’s edition will be a space to imagine what could be possible; a place to be inspired, a place to discover the latest trends, learn best practices, and network with others – those who understand the challenges and opportunities that a job in fundraising brings.

We are not our jobs though; we are people before postholders, and importantly, there will be opportunities for you and your organisation to reflect on how you prioritise your wellbeing and that of those you work with, as we seek to thrive.

When I am with others at Convention, I feel a much greater sense that I’m part of something bigger and so it feels more empowering, encouraging, special, and significant, and ultimately, it proves to be a more impactful and long-lasting learning experience.

 

Fundraising Convention is all inclusive

One thing I’ve tried to be clear on in my time as Convention Chair is that our event is for everyone. No matter who you are, where you work, how large or small your organisation is, how long you’ve worked there, or how junior or senior you might be, your presence and your voice matters.

Likewise, whether your last year has been terrific, terrible, or somewhere in-between, you’re just as important and our event is still for you.

Everyone attending this year’s Convention can be sure to hear about fresh ideas, impactful campaigns, successes and failures, thought leadership, and practical tips, shared in a variety of plenary and interactive sessions.

The Convention Board and I have ensured that the sessions at this year’s event respond to the rapidly changing climate in which fundraisers at all levels are working. This includes sharing expertise on the topics that matter now, including AI and the cost of living, as well as horizon-scanning sessions that will offer invaluable insights for future planning.

In addition to this, with the event being built on what Chartered Institute members want, improving on doing it for the first-time last year we will be live-streaming a bespoke virtual Convention programme to welcome and engage with a valuable audience that cannot or choose not to travel to the event.

This hybrid offer will allow delegates the chance to hear a selection of live sessions at the same time as in-person delegates, have live interaction with speakers, and network with peers, and more.

 

A shared experience

If you’re still not sure about attending, allow me to further outline some of the key benefits of attending: you’ll be able to learn and share best practices; discover the latest trends from across the sector; see and hear examples of innovation happening across the sector; gain ideas to advance your organisation; find ways to improve your wellbeing and progress your career; get advice and guidance from experts; improve the way you work and discover efficiencies; and network, interact and connect with like-minded fundraisers.

I can’t wait to see you there.

 

Fundraising Convention 2026 takes places 4 - 5 June 

Check out the in-person programme 2026

Get your in-person tickets 2026