Through different internal and external presents and facilitators, the Conference focused on mobilization of resources based on projects and applications to public/private institutions with an emphasis on EU funding opportunities. Strengthening our network of fundraisers and a plan to share best practices and opportunities within this field, were some of the outcomes of the Conference.
Jane Burns, Director of Fundraising and Communications of YMCA England, opened the Conference with an input on "Fundraising within the YMCA context", involving all participants in the presentation of key elements for a successful mobilization of resources. After a welcome message and an update on YMCA Europe´s approach to fundraising by President Ed Eggink, Alfonso Aliberti (Policy & Advocacy Coordinator at the European Youth Forum) informed the participants about the New Erasmus Plus and other relevant EU funding opportunities.
Other presenters who also led sessions at this 3rd Fundraising Conference were : Nafisa Hasanova (Policy Officer of APRODEV), Letizia Gambini and Margeritte Potard (Director of External Relations & Funding and Projects Manager of the Scouts´ Seat in Brussels), Gisela de Vries (EKD), Mar de Santiago (Director of Social Intervention & Projects at YMCA Spain), Ian Marr (Chief Executive at Aberdeen YMCA in Scotland), Matthias Ruf (General Manager at YMCA Germany) and Juan Simoes Iglesias (Secretary General of YMCA Europe).
The event ended with a visit to "Parlamentarium", the Visitors Centre of the European Parliament in Brussels.