Gosse Bosma takes the helm vowing to develop its European wide fundraising certification programme

Dutch fundraising expert Gosse Bosma has been appointed as president of the European Fundraising Association (EFA).

Set up in 2002 the EFA is a network of fundraising associations which represents fundraising associations from 18 European nations, working to share best practice, strengthening and developing fundraising across Europe.

The Institute of Fundraisers is the UK’s representative.

Bosma is director of dutch charities society Goede Doelen Nederland and was appointed at the EFA’s AGM in Bratislava to replace former president Günther Lutschinger who had been in post for four years.

Commenting on his appointment, the EFA’s new president, said he one of the core priorities for 2017 would be to further develop EFA’s certification programme, which facilitates the development of internationally-recognised fundraising qualifications.

The scheme was first launched in 2007. Since then, over 4,400 fundraisers across Europe have achieved an EFA Certified qualification.

He added: “Europe is not made by politicians alone. We as civil society leaders have a key role to play and I feel passionately about helping fundraising organisations achieve that and share their knowledge and expertise across national borders.

“EFA has become increasingly important to the international fundraising environment and I am honoured to take on the presidency.”