Fundraising is widely recognised as one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of the social sector. Many people enter the nonprofit field with a passion for creating change, not necessarily with the intention of focusing on fundraising. However, once in a fundraising role, they often find themselves bogged down by administrative tasks, endless paperwork, and the pressure to meet donor expectations. The slow pace of converting potential donors into committed supporters can be frustrating, leaving fundraisers feeling disheartened.
We, at the ILSS Centre of Excellence for Fundraising are constantly trying to create an ecosystem for this small community of fundraisers which allows them to find the elusive balance and support they need.
To meet this objective, we host the annual India Fundraising Conference (IFRC). If you’re a fundraising professional, a leader in the social sector, a philanthropist, or a corporate CSR team member, attending this conference is an opportunity to address these challenges head-on.
Building Capacity in the Social Sector
India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) has long been committed to building capacity in the social sector, and our flagship The ILSS Fundraising Program is a testament to this mission. A first-of-its-kind program, this three-month intensive program provides in-depth training on everything from developing the right fundraising mindset to crafting compelling fundraising collaterals. Through this program, we attempt to offer a platform for professionals to connect with leaders in the field, engage in contextual study, and gain invaluable knowledge that can transform the way you approach fundraising.
The Growth of the Fundraising Conference
What began as a biennial event has evolved into an annual gathering that continues to grow in both scope and impact. The India Fundraising Conference (IFRC), launched in 2020, saw its most recent edition in 2024 in partnership with The Resource Alliance. This collaboration brought global perspectives on fundraising to the table, highlighting the latest trends and strategies through masterclasses led by international experts. The event attracted over 300 leaders and professionals from across India and beyond, demonstrating the immense need for such a platform.
Building on the success of the 2024 event, IFRC 2025 promises to expand its reach and impact, making it an unmissable opportunity for those in the fundraising ecosystem. Set to take place on 5-6 February 2025 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, this year’s conference will bring together over 500 key stakeholders, including fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, donors, CSR teams, and more.
IFRC 2025: The Vision
The conference is designed to celebrate fundraising as a critical driver of social impact and to spotlight fundraisers as the agents of change that they are. It aims to foster connections, share innovative fundraising approaches, and equip attendees with the skills necessary to raise funds effectively. Key objectives include:
- Building expertise in various fundraising techniques and strategies
- Fostering connections among leaders across the social sector
- Showcasing innovative fundraising approaches from around the world
- Creating dialogue for catalytic, transparent, and equitable funding partnerships
Engaging Themes and Practical Learning
The IFRC 2025 will explore essential themes that directly impact the fundraising landscape today, such as:
- Leveraging technology to increase organisational efficiency and overcome fundraising challenges
- Building data literacy within nonprofit organisations and adopting data-driven fundraising approaches
- Unlocking individual giving, one of the fastest-growing funding channels, to foster long-term financial resilience
- Brand building to ensure credibility and visibility of your organisation’s work
- Strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability in long-term funder-grantee relationships
- Innovative philanthropy beyond traditional giving to create sustainable social change
With a variety of formats — keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, Ted-style talks, a Pitch Fest, and structured networking opportunities — the conference will provide something for everyone. These formats will offer practical, actionable insights and foster meaningful interactions with experts, donors, and fellow professionals.
Networking and Collaboration
One of the key highlights of the conference is the opportunity to engage in structured networking. Fundraising is inherently relational, and those who succeed in this field recognise the importance of building genuine connections. The IFRC 2025 offers a chance to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders, discuss shared challenges, and explore potential collaborations that can drive meaningful change.
Why Attend?
In the social sector, effective fundraising extends beyond simply requesting support — it’s about fostering relationships, demonstrating tangible impact, and building trust. At the IndiaFundraising Conference 2025, you’ll have access to valuable tools, strategies, and connections to refine your fundraising efforts.
Whether you’re a fundraiser looking to enhance your approach, a nonprofit leader seeking to better align with donor expectations, or a philanthropist exploring more impactful ways to contribute, this conference offers insights tailored to your needs.
By attending IFRC 2025, you’ll gain not only knowledge and skills but also a deeper connection to a forward-thinking community dedicated to creating sustainable change in the social sector. Join us for this enriching event and explore how to elevate your work and amplify the impact of the causes you care about.
