Why regular giving and face-to-face fundraising matter more than ever
Recently, many organisations have seen traditional funding streams – from government programmes to institutional grants – become less reliable. At the same time, global challenges are growing, and the need for support is more urgent than ever.
That’s why building a strong base of committed, regular donors is critical. And face-to-face fundraising – done well – is still the most effective channel for this.
Face-to-face (F2F) fundraising – on the street or door-to-door – continues to be one of the most direct and human ways to inspire support for important causes.
The challenge is doing it consistently, sustainably, and at scale. That’s only possible when the tech, the processes, and foremost, the people are all working together.
Why the International F2F Fundraising Congress matters more than ever
In today’s fundraising landscape, isolated innovation simply isn’t enough. As Emily Bracken aptly noted in her recent reflection on the congress:
A technique that increases effectiveness in one market can be tested and implemented in others with relative ease, making collaboration between markets and NGOs important to support optimisation and growth.
The beauty of F2F fundraising lies in its universality—the fundamental human connection at its core transcends cultural differences. Yet the tools, techniques, and technologies we use must be adapted to local contexts while maintaining global standards of excellence.
The F2F Congress provides three essential components for this collaborative innovation:
- Cross-cultural exchange. Where else can F2F fundraisers from all over the world share insights in real-time, discovering both their common challenges and unique cultural approaches?
- Standards development. As initiatives like the International Public Fundraising Council (IPFC) work to professionalise our field, the congress serves as a crucial forum for developing and refining these standards.
- Problem-solving networks. The connections made at the congress extend far beyond the three-day event, creating lasting relationships that generate solutions throughout the year.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained in my fundraising career have come from those spontaneous hallway conversations that only happen when we gather in person.
The power of coming together
As Eric Philipp beautifully articulated in his reflection on volunteering at the congress:
The International F2F Fundraising Congress is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of our shared mission to create positive change.
I couldn’t agree more. In a world where digital communication often keeps us apart, there’s something profoundly valuable about coming together in person—sharing meals, exchanging ideas, and building the relationships that drive our industry forward.
I still remember that feeling from the last congress: tired feet from walking exhibition halls, a voice hoarse from passionate discussions, and a mind buzzing with new possibilities. That unique combination of exhaustion and exhilaration comes from being part of something larger than yourself—a global community united by the belief that face-to-face fundraising can change the world.
Secure your spot today for the 2nd International F2F Fundraising Congress. Join us in Vienna this April as we write the next chapter in face-to-face fundraising together.
One topic that I’m particularly passionate about discussing with my fellow delegates is how we can ensure sustainable growth in F2F. I believe that this can only happen when people, processes, and tech align. So, what is the current situation and trends?
How technology creates new possibilities in F2F fundraising
Face-to-face fundraising has come a long way. The days of paper forms, manual data entry, and delayed feedback loops are finally behind us.
Nowadays, we face a different set of challenges: optimisation, scale, and smarter support.
And things like –
- frictionless giving with new payment technology
- personalised donor journeys
- smarter fundraiser deployment
- integrated compliance
- data automation and analysis
- optimising ask amounts and intervals
– These aren’t futuristic ideas. They’re already being used in campaigns around the world, and they’re making a real difference.
Why face-to-face fundraising needs more than just technology
All this technology is only valuable if it serves the people doing the work.
We still know one thing for sure: the most important part of any campaign is the fundraiser. Their energy, their ability to connect, and their understanding of the cause.
What tech does best is clear the path so people can focus on what they do best. That means automating the admin, simplifying logistics, providing real-time feedback, and creating a working environment that feels smooth, transparent, and fair.
Increasingly, we’re seeing a shift in how F2F programmes are structured. Instead of building everything from scratch in-house, more and more organisations are turning to specialised partners who can manage campaign infrastructure and operational workflows end to end. This kind of support model – sometimes described as business process outsourcing – helps ensure fundraisers, agencies, and charities can each focus on their core strengths.
It’s not just about having the right tools anymore. It’s about having the right support systems in place to turn ambition into execution – and to give people space to do meaningful work.
How fundraiser engagement drives better F2F results
In addition to good tech and structure, we also must consider the experience we’re creating for the people who represent our causes every day.
Technology and operational support give us the ability to:
- deliver faster, more engaging onboarding
- create gamified motivation systems
- give fundraisers ownership over their own progress
- free up time for the things that really matter – like meaningful conversations, coaching, or team connection
- ensure fundraisers are being paid well for the important work they do
When fundraisers feel supported, confident, and fairly compensated, they’re more motivated – and that translates directly into better donor conversations, better retention, and stronger results.
In a competitive fundraising environment, engagement, support, and satisfaction aren’t extras – they’re essential.
The future of face-to-face fundraising: a global perspective
What’s exciting is that these aren’t isolated developments. Across markets, teams are rethinking how F2F fundraising can evolve – not just in terms of technology, but in how campaigns are supported, staffed, and scaled.
If you’re curious about these changes – or already working on them – we’d love to talk.
Come visit us at the International F2F Fundraising Congress: swing by our booth, catch us in a session, or let’s grab a drink later at the bar.
Let’s connect, exchange ideas, and shape the future of F2F together.
Is your F2F fundraising programme ready for sustainable growth?
- Do you have strong support systems in place?
- Can you streamline your data integration more?
- Is your F2F programme optimised for long-term success?
- Do you want to scale your programme and improve retention?
If any of those questions resonate with you, now’s the time to explore what’s possible – together.
Max Jakob is Managing Director at Formunauts and a Programme Committee Member for the International F2F Fundraising Congress. With 20 years of experience in face-to-face fundraising – including 10 years working at a leading F2F agency – Max brings deep hands-on knowledge of what it takes to run successful, sustainable campaigns.