Cii Fundraising Labs 2026

Fundraising isn’t learned by sitting still.

Welcome to Cii Fundraising Labs, a one-day learning experience designed for fundraisers who want to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and work through real problems together.

Taking place on Thursday 3 September 2026 at the National College of Ireland, this event brings together fundraisers, thinkers and sector experts for a day that is practical, participatory and genuinely different.

This is not a conference.
It is not a day of presentations.

Fundraising Labs is built around the idea that the best learning happens when people roll up their sleeves and work things through together.

Across the day, you will move through a series of Labs where ideas are explored, tested and refined with peers and industry experts in the room.

Expect lively discussion, honest debate and practical thinking you can take straight back to your organisation.

What happens in the Labs?

Each session is designed as a working environment rather than a talk. You will join groups of fellow fundraisers to explore real questions facing the sector today.

In the Labs you might find yourself:

• Testing a new approach to donor engagement
• Pressure-testing a digital fundraising idea
• Solving a shared challenge with peers from other charities
• Exploring new ways to grow income or strengthen donor relationships
• Stepping back to rethink strategy and priorities

The focus is on participation, peer exchange and practical thinking. Everyone in the room brings experience, and everyone leaves with new insight.

Four types of Labs

Throughout the day you will experience a mix of different Lab environments, each designed to approach learning in a different way.

Innovation Labs
Spaces to experiment with new ideas and approaches.

Stress Test Labs
Sessions where ideas are challenged and examined from multiple perspectives.

Solution Rooms
Collaborative problem-solving around real challenges charities face.

Strategy Studios
Time to step back, reflect and work through complex decisions.

Each Lab is expert-led and built around peer discussion and shared experience.

Who should attend?

Fundraising Labs is designed for people working across the fundraising and nonprofit sector, including:

• Fundraisers and income leaders
• Digital and data specialists
• Communications professionals
• Anyone responsible for growing income or strengthening donor relationships

If you enjoy learning through conversation, testing ideas and hearing how others approach the same challenges, you will feel right at home.

What you can expect

• A lively and collaborative atmosphere
• Practical learning you can apply immediately
• Honest conversations about what works and what doesn’t
• Time to connect with peers from across the sector
• A chance to think differently about the future of fundraising

And yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet new people, reconnect with colleagues and continue the conversations beyond the Labs.

Event details

Cii Fundraising Labs
Thursday 3 September 2026
National College of Ireland, Dublin

Places are limited to ensure the Labs remain interactive and participatory.

Early booking is recommended.

Reserve your place and join us for a day of ideas, testing, collaboration and conversation.