Why volunteering at the International F2F Fundraising Congress is a transformative experience

By Eric Philipp, Head of Face-to-Face Fundraising, Save the Children Germany

Hi, my name is Eric Philipp, and I have been working in the face-to-face (F2F) fundraising field for over nine years. Starting as a street fundraiser, I’ve grown through various roles across NGOs and agencies. What I love most about F2F fundraising is the dynamic nature of the work—it’s simple yet packed with challenges that continuously push me to grow.

Last year, I volunteered at the inaugural International F2F Fundraising Congress, an experience that left a lasting impact. Here’s what I learned and why I’m looking forward to this year’s event.

Behind the scenes of an industry milestone

Volunteering at the 1st International F2F Congress in Vienna was an eye-opening experience. From assisting speakers like Erica Waasdorp and John Jeffries to helping organise sessions, I had a front-row seat for learning how such a significant event comes together. The Fundraising Verband Austria (Austrian Fundraising Association) team was incredibly professional and welcoming, treating volunteers as integral parts of the team.

One memorable moment was attending the opening keynote after setting up the main hall for it. Watching attendees react to such a powerful speech reminded me why we do what we do. It underscored the impact of F2F fundraising on building meaningful connections and driving change.

Learning through action

Though my primary role was to support the event’s operations, I managed to attend several sessions during breaks. One standout workshop focused on ethical challenges in F2F fundraising, sparking thoughtful conversations about balancing donor respect with results. These sessions not only deepened my understanding of the field but also gave me ideas to implement back in Germany.

The showcase of successful F2F campaigns was another highlight. One campaign from a disaster-stricken region left a lasting impression on me. Seeing how fundraisers conveyed both urgency and empathy inspired me to aim higher in my own work.

Global connections

Volunteering also opened doors to incredible networking opportunities. At the networking lounge and evening party, I connected with fundraisers from across the globe—Brazil, Kenya, Japan, and more. Their passion and creativity were infectious, and many of these connections have evolved into valuable collaborations and friendships.

Carrying the torch forward

This year, I’m returning to the congress in Vienna, not as a volunteer but as an attendee. I’m excited to reunite with global F2F leaders, learn from their experiences, and bring back fresh ideas to my team. One of my proudest moments is that a team member of mine will volunteer this year, continuing what has become a meaningful tradition!

The International F2F Fundraising Congress is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of our shared mission to create positive change. Volunteering last year was a transformative experience, and I encourage anyone considering it to take the leap. It’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to our field in ways you can’t imagine.

Hope to see you at #F2FCongress25!

Eric

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Join us at the 2nd International F2F Fundraising Congress!?

?? Date: 28-30 April 2025

?? Location: Vienna, Austria

?? Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/3BUXGGN

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#F2FCongress25 is organised and hosted by the Austrian Fundraising Association (Fundraising Verband Austria) in conjunction with a programme committee of international fundraising leaders and F2F fundraising specialists – Roland Csaki, Elsbeth De Ridder, Jean-Paul Kogan-Recoing, Ruth Williams, Filipa Morais Santos, Danny McDonnell, Jacob M?llemose, Ali Jones, Max Jakob and Daryl Upsall – and with thanks to our sponsors & partners: Formunauts (Premium Partner); DonorVoice, RaiseNow and ZenterPrize (Power Partners); and Partners European Fundraising Association (EFA), hashtag#FundraisingEurope and Vienna Convention Bureau.

Did you know? You can earn CFRE Continuing Education credits when you attend this event – the International F2F Fundraising Congress and organisers/hosts Austrian Fundraising Association are certified by CFRE International.