ELF, with support of CPIF, D66 International and Projekt: Polska, is organising the 6th edition of the Organising Freedom project series focusing this time on fundraising. The aim is to share and learn from each other organisational’s practices and experiences, and bring about a positive change in their context.
Exchange of best practices on fundraising working group
ELF, with support of CPIF, D66 International and Projekt: Polska, is organising the 6th edition of the Organising Freedom project series focusing this time on fundraising. The aim is to share and learn from each other organisational’s practices and experiences, and bring about a positive change in their context.
Due to the changes in regulations and external organisational pressure, ELF needs to shore up its finances and strengthen contributions through member capacity-building. This means gathering our network to exchange best practices and learn from each other on how to improve fundraising practices. Eventually, the objective is providing capacity building for organisations that will enable us to engage more despite financial pressure and help formulate the voice of European citizens as part of our core mission as a political foundation.
The 2026 edition of our event series will therefore bring together organisational leaders and key employers from liberal foundations who are already active in fundraising — or aiming to strengthen this capacity within their organisations. Building on the work and insights of the five previous conferences, this edition shifts firmly from discussion to implementation, focusing on practical strategies that make our organisations more financially resilient and sustainable. Participants will exchange proven approaches, tools, and lessons learned on building diverse funding streams, strengthening donor relationships, and embedding fundraising into organisational culture and long-term planning. At a time when democratic values and climate action require strong, independent voices, liberal organisations must be equipped not only with vision, but with the resources to act.
The event will be organized in Oslo, Norway, on 2-3 June. We are looking for passionate participants who are committed to advancing fundraising in their organisations. Attendees should be prepared to translate the learning from this event into action — introducing improved fundraising practices, structures, and strategies that ensure long-term financial sustainability and impact.
ORGANISING FREEDOM
Fundraising working group
Oslo, Norway
2-3 June 2026
Day 1, Tuesday – 2 June 2026
Venue: Conference room, Møllergata 16, Oslo
09:30 Welcome
Speaker: Milosz Hodun, Treasurer, European Liberal Forum
09:45 Introduction
Speaker: Sophia Tell van Witzenburg, International Officer, D66 International
Speaker: Michał Tęcza, International Officer, Projekt: Polska
10:00 Where are we now? – Peer mapping
Moderator: Sophia Tell van Witzenburg, International Officer, D66 International
11:00 Break
11:30 Inspirations from the Netherlands
Speaker: Thijs van Rens, Fundraiser and Relation Manager
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Inspiration from Norway
Speaker: Benedicte Bjørnås, Organisational Advidor, Venstre
15:00 Show & Tell — Case stories
Moderator: Mikaela Hellman, International Officer, CPIF
16:00 Break
16:15 Inspiration from Norway /TBD/
17:15 Day 1 – harvest and close
Speaker: Michał Tęcza, International Officer, Projekt: Polska
17:45 Free time
19:00 Dinner
Day 2, Wednesday – 3 June 2026
Venue: Conference room, Møllergata 16, Oslo
09:00 Morning check-in
09:15 ELF Fundraising Strategy
Speaker: Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
10:10 World Café — Fundraising challenges
Moderator: Mikaela Hellman, International Officer, CPIF
11:00 Break
11:15 My next 90 days – Action planning
Moderator: Sophia Tell van Witzenburg, International Officer, D66 International
12:00 Evaluation and follow-up
Moderator: Michał Tęcza, International Officer, Projekt: Polska
12:30 Visit in the parliament
13:30 Light lunch
14:30 End of the programme