A shortage of fundraising skills is the most prevalent factor preventing fundraising growth in Europe, according to a new report.

A survey of 17 national fundraising associations, by the trans-continental European Fundraising Association, found that a lack of skilled fundraisers was the most frequently cited barrier to fundraising over the past decade. Two out of five survey respondents said this skills shortage was a critical issue preventing growth; more than who felt the global economic crisis, tax relief or public collections restrictions (29.4 per cent each) had stifled fundraising income.

But while skills have been a barrier, the professionalisation of the discipline that has occurred over the past ten years is overwhelmingly seen as the most positive force on fundraising in European markets. Fifteen of the 17 associations polled said that greater professionalism within fundraising was one of the top five factors to have improved fundraising as a whole, while just over half cited technology as one of the key positive factors.

Impact of Eurozone crisis

On the broader question of the impact of the Eurozone crisis on fundraising, the majority of associations felt that ‘most’ of their members had either experienced stable or stronger voluntary income; however one in three said most organisations had experienced a drop.

This does not reflect whether or to what extent charities in some countries – Spain, for example – had previous to the recession been heavily dependent on state funding.

But on the whole, the fundraising associations are predicting a stronger voluntary income performance in 2013. Only one in five believe this year will see a drop in income.

Becky Gilbert, EFA vice president, said: “With dissipating country borders and unified legislation across member states, charities across Europe are dealing with many of the same challenges and reaching out to many of the same donors across national boundaries. It has never been more important that charities come together to share information and learn from one another, raising the bar in fundraising practice internationally.”

The survey, released yesterday by the EFA, involved responses from 17 EU fundraising associations, but notably did not include two of the economies worst hit by the European financial crisis; Greece and Portugal. 

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