Since 2013, The Funding Network (TFN) has been running an international affiliates programme that supports civil society organizations across the globe in learning more about our model and collective giving, giving them the tools to apply it in their own communities.

Through our international programme we offer study visits to UK events, training, coaching and resources for groups so that they can run their own successful crowdfunding events. With the occasion of the 20th Anniversary Crowdfunding Event on 6 October, we invited our friends in Spain and Austria to join us, running a two-day workshop with five Spanish community philanthropy organisations, along with two support organisations - the Association for Spanish Foundations and the Association of Charitable Foundations in Austria, which are currently supporting development of community foundations in their respective countries.

Being able to attend a live crowdfunding event is an unmatched learning experience, giving organisations the opportunity to grasp the energy of the room, the mechanics of the event and hear first-hand testimonies, from donors and projects pitching, of the value behind the model. One and a half days of training followed the event where we had a chance to debrief, discuss and dissect both the how and why behind such events and how they are organised. 

The visit and the training were well received. The groups expressed enthusiasm about the potential of bringing the concept in their own local communities and we will continue to support their journey through coaching and peer-learning. We look forward to announcing news about their first events soon.

Want to learn more about our international programme? Get in touch with our International Coordinator, Mihaela, here.