Fundraising in India’s social sector is transformative work that sits at the intersection of vision and viability. Yet despite being the lifeblood of mission-driven organisations, fundraising professionals often navigate this critical role with limited support and minimal recognition of their strategic importance.
At India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS), we believe fundraisers deserve to be celebrated, supported, and connected. That’s exactly what the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) 2026 is designed to do.
The Case for Capacity Building: Numbers That Speak
The numbers tell a compelling story. India’s social sector faces a funding gap of approximately INR 14 lakh crore, projected to reach INR 16 lakh crore ($195 billion) by FY 2029. Meanwhile, 72% of nonprofit organisations cite funding deficits as their primary challenge, and 91% operate with budgets under INR 10 crore.
But here’s what makes this moment different: capacity building works, and the returns are remarkable.
The ATECF study tracking 11 NGOs over ten years found that strategic investments in fundraising capacity delivered a median payback period of just one to four months. Organisations that built their fundraising capacity achieved a 23% median growth rate — significantly higher than the sector’s 15% — with leading performers reaching 39% growth. They expanded their donor base by 2.5x, improved retention rates from 50% to 70%, and built financial resilience with a median runway of 15 months.
The impact of The ILSS Fundraising Program further validates this approach. After participating in our three-month intensive learning program, 66% of organisations expanded their fundraising teams, and 79% increased time dedicated to fundraising. Perhaps most significantly, founders reduced their fundraising time from 60% to 40%, freeing them to focus on program innovation, organisational culture, and strategic leadership.
The message is clear: investing in fundraisers is investing in impact.
IFRC 2026: Capacity & Capital – Powering Impact
This year, the India Fundraising Conference returns with a powerful dual focus – Capacity & Capital: Powering Impact.
Taking place on 5-6 February 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, IFRC 2026 will bring together over 500 fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, donors, and CSR teams. This is your opportunity to be part of a vibrant community that celebrates fundraising as dignified, strategic work and fundraisers as the changemakers they truly are.
Why This Theme Matters Now
The relationship between capacity and capital is symbiotic. India stands ahead of the curve in fundraising potential — CSR is projected to reach INR 1.2 lakh crore by FY35, family philanthropy is expected to grow 10-12% over the next five years, and everyday giving continues its upward trajectory.
The capital is there. But without the capacity to access, steward, and scale that capital effectively, nonprofits remain unable to bridge the funding gap. IFRC 2026 explores this critical intersection: how building capacity unlocks capital, and how smart capital deployment strengthens capacity creating a virtuous cycle that powers lasting impact.
Three Pathways to Greater Impact
IFRC 2026 addresses capacity building through three interconnected tracks that bring together learning, connection, and celebration:
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Building Fundraisers’ Capacity
This track equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset for sustainable fundraising. You’ll explore multi-channel strategies spanning CSR, retail, institutional philanthropy, and innovative finance, while discovering how AI and digital tools are reshaping the landscape. But we’re going beyond tactics.—These sessions reframe fundraising as a core organisational capability and strategic leadership function, elevating your professional identity and creating peer networks to combat the isolation so many practitioners face. Learn from sessions on reimagining fundraising as community building with GivingTuesday, field guides for everyday giving with ATMA, unlocking international philanthropy, leveraging AI for fundraising, and why participatory giving is the future with Make a Difference.
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Strengthening Organisational Capacity for Fundraising
Effective fundraising requires robust organisational infrastructure. This track addresses the critical cross-functional systems that enable fundraising success: strong governance structures, transparent financial systems, compelling communications and branding, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks. These sessions recognise that capacity building must be holistic, addressing the interconnected systems that determine organisational resilience and sustainability. Engage in conversations on whether nonprofit boards should co-own fundraising goals, measuring the impact of behaviour change, building the talent pipeline for nonprofit fundraising, and how next-gen fundraisers are reimagining shared leadership with Pravah.
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Ecosystem-Level Investments in Capacity Building
Individual and organisational capacity building cannot fully succeed without ecosystem-level dialogue. This track catalyses critical conversations among stakeholders to co-create a shared vision for building sectoral capacity. Key themes include advocating for full-cost funding and multi-year commitments, advancing equitable practices, establishing professional standards for fundraising, and building trust-based relationships between funders and nonprofits. Join the Fundraisers’ Roundtable to define fundraising excellence and build the profession, explore why funders need to invest in capacity building with Bridgespan and ATECF, participate in closed-door sessions with CSR heads on innovation, and discover how to strengthen grassroots impact in the North-East.
A Space for Connection and Celebration
IFRC 2026 isn’t just about learning, it’s about coming together as a community. Through workshops and masterclasses, learning labs, panel discussions, and keynote addresses, you’ll engage with thought leaders and peers who understand your challenges and celebrate your wins.
Most importantly, the conference offers structured networking opportunities designed to help you build meaningful relationships with fellow fundraisers, funders, and sector experts. These aren’t random coffee breaks; they’re intentional spaces for dialogue on shared concerns, collaborative problem-solving, and exploring partnerships that can drive real change.
This is your chance to find your tribe, share your stories, and be reminded that you’re not alone in this work.
Join the Community
Fundraising is more than asking for money. It’s about fostering relationships, demonstrating tangible impact, and building trust. It’s about championing causes and winning hearts and minds. It’s strategic work. It’s dignified work. It’s work that deserves to be celebrated.
If you’re ready to connect with a community that gets it, learn from the best in the field, and celebrate the vital work you do every day, join us at IFRC 2026.
Save the date: 5-6 February 2026 | India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Registration details are out. Follow us on ILSS LinkedIn Page and Centre of Excellence – Fundraising for updates!
India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) is committed to building capacity in India’s social sector through learning programs, research, and convenings like the India Fundraising Conference. Register Now
About the Author
Yashika is a social development professional with experience across youth leadership, program management, fundraising, and advocacy. She has led national programs on gender justice and youth development, designing multi-location initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, and amplifying grassroots voices in global advocacy spaces, including the United Nations General Assembly. Her work spans ethical communications, inclusive storytelling, and facilitating safe learning spaces for young people on leadership, SRHR, mental health, and economic empowerment. Over time, she transitioned to driving national and international programs integrating advocacy, capacity building, and art-based facilitation. Yashika holds a Master’s in Philosophy and currently works as Senior Associate at ILSS’s Centre of Excellence for Fundraising.
