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Reimagining Fundraising, Innovation in Fundraising Summit: “BEACONS: Lighting the Way Forward”

Reimagining Fundraising is a collective of INGOs exploring new approaches to fundraising through peer discussions, sharing and collaboration.

Our 2025 strategy has a strong focus on collaboration and showcasing “out of the box” ideas. We have organised the Innovation in Fundraising Summit, BEACONS: Lighting the Way Forward on Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 September 1400-1600 CET (online). 

This year’s innovation festival is a sector-wide call to surface and spotlight these ‘Beacons’, as ideas that are ready to grow, scale, and inspire.

Beacons are not just ideas – they’re the proof of concepts that shine a light on what’s possible. These are the early-stage innovations that have moved beyond theory, showing real promise through small-scale testing, early data, and tangible learnings. They’re the guiding lights that help our sector navigate toward more effective, equitable, and sustainable fundraising futures.

See key details below and click here to submit your ideas – we look forward to receiving them! 

Purpose

This is more than a showcase—it’s a sector-wide signal of what’s possible. By surfacing and supporting Beacons, we aim to:

  • Uncover the guiding lights which the sector should be working towards.

  • Accelerate innovation across the humanitarian, development and wider social benefit space.

  • Break silos and foster cross- organisations learning.

  • Invest in what works – and what could work even better.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking proof of concepts that:

  • Have been tested at a small scale within your organization.

  • Show early evidence or data of success or learning.

  • Are not yet fully piloted or rolled out.

  • Have the potential to significantly “move the needle” for the sector.

These Beacons should reflect bold thinking, practical experimentation, and a commitment to reimagining how we engage supporters and generate impact.

We are currently exploring the possibility of inviting the winning proposals from amongst the Reimagining Fundraising network to pitch at the International Fundraising Committee Festival. Note that this is yet to be confirmed so watch this space for updates.

Nomination Process

Each participating organisation can nominate up to 5 Beacons (minimum of 2). The process will follow these steps:
Launch of Nomination Template: A simple, structured format to capture key insights and evidence.
Submission of Nominations: Each organisation submits up to 5 (minimum 2) proof of concepts that meet the criteria.
Editorial Review: Submissions are reviewed to ensure alignment with the Beacon definition.
Publication of the Beacon List: A shared, open list of all nominated Beacons is published and shared across Reimagining Fundraising.
Co-Initiator Selection: Each organisation appoints a co-initiator to select their preferred Beacons, based on the question: “How much do you feel this idea has the potential to move the needle for developing new funding models for the sector?”
Beacons Showcase: a global event where we present beacons to the sector and distribute a full repository.
Pathways to Scale: Organisations may choose to support, pilot, or co-develop Beacons they believe in, creating real routes to market and impact.

Timeline

  • Launch Campaign and open call for ideas: Tuesday 1 July

  • Submission Deadline: Tuesday 19 August

  • Selection and Support Phase: Wednesday 10 September

  • Beacons Showcase (Online virtual event): Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 September 1400 to 1600 CET

Requirements From Each Organisation

  • Nominate a co-initiator

  • Nominate up to 5 concepts (minimum 2)

  • Review the published list of concepts