Fundraising Industry Insights

Understanding the structure and key players in the fundraising industry helps nonprofit organisations operate more strategically. Attending events and engaging with professional associations gives access to expert knowledge, industry trends, and a strong network. Certifications build donor trust and signal transparency. Even small organisations benefit from being aware of the broader fundraising environment.

Credible & Trustworthy Fundraising

Donating to a good cause has a long tradition. People decide where to donate based on many factors—including the reputation of the organisation. Donors are unlikely to give to an organisation that appears untrustworthy. So how do you build credibility? One way is through transparent and trustworthy communication.

You can also apply for a recognised certification. After a successful audit, your organisation can use it as proof of credibility—and benefit in other ways: for example, certified nonprofits can run Google Ads for free. That said, certification often involves costs and effort.

In Germany, one recognised option is the DZI Seal of Approval from the “Deutsches Zentralinstitut für soziale Fragen”.

Fundraising Associations

Fundraising associations in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) play a key role in supporting and strengthening fundraising activities across the nonprofit sector.

The national fundraising associations include:

In Germany: Deutscher Fundraising Verband

In Austria: Fundraising Verband Austria

In Switzerland: Swissfundraising

These associations serve as important platforms for sharing expertise, professional development, and peer networking. They provide training, resources, and current best practices. They also represent the interests of the sector in political discussions and promote awareness of the importance of philanthropy in society.

At a time when financial support for charitable causes is more important than ever, these associations make a vital contribution to strengthening solidarity and social cohesion.