If the potential of the mobile and other online fundraising options is to be reached, how can fundraisers make sure they have the necessary skills to help deliver? According to the Virtual Promise survey by nfpSynergy, published in 2009, 67% of 187 charities questioned said that inadequate staff skills were an obstacle in helping the organisation make the most of the internet – just slightly fewer than the previous year. Its an issue taken up by the Institute of Fundraising. In the past two years, the Institute has been running a series of “webinars” – online seminars – for members, focusing on the internet and professional skills. Its academy also offers courses on e-fundraising and making the most of social media. At the same time the Institute, as part of its civil society work with the Office for Civil Society, has tailored a training course in e-fundrasing specifically for smaller charities.