Philanthropy Ireland
Philanthropy Ireland is the Association of independent philanthropic organisations in Ireland, including grant making trusts and foundations.
Philanthropy is particular kind of charitable giving. It is focused on the root causes of problems and making a sustainable improvement, as distinct from contributing to immediate relief. The giving is thought-out and takes a long-term view and as such typically involves planned, regular financial contributions. Philanthropy is not the exclusive preserve of very wealthy people, What distinguishes philanthropic giving from more spontaneous once off charitable donations is that the money is given with a degree of reflection, a clear purpose and a sustained personal interest in the cause being supported.
Photo from left to right: Minister Pat Carey, TD, Dame Stephanie Shirley, UK Ambassador for Philanthropy, John R Healy, chairman of Philanthropy Ireland
Launch of McKinsey and Company report on Philanthropy.
Philanthropy Ireland is the Association of independent philanthropic organisations in Ireland. Our mission is to increase the level of philanthropy in Ireland and to expand the community of engaged donors who are regular, strategic, long-term contributors to good causes. Find out more about Philanthropy Ireland.
A recent McKinsey and Company Report highlighted that relative to the strength of philanthropy- that is thought-out, purposeful, engaged giving-in comparable countries, philanthropy in Ireland is weak. While we invariably respond generously when presented with crises or emergencies at home or abroad, the spread of philanthropic giving in Ireland is relatively narrow and the cumulative amount of money given is small. This contrast strongly suggests latent, untapped potential to significantly increase the number of individuals, families and businesses involved in regular purposeful, engaged giving. To find out more about the current state and future potential of philanthropic giving in the Republic of Ireland download the McKinsey Report.
Philanthropy Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of its publication- Guide to Effective Giving. This guide is part of a suite of publications prepared by Philanthropy Ireland for philanthropists, potential philanthropists and key intermediaries, such as professional advisors and fundraisers. Based on a review of 'good practice' literature and a series of consultations, this guide explores activities and areas of practice that we believe will help philanthropic organisations become more effective in their giving and, ultimately, to have a greater impact.
The Community Foundation for Ireland is calling on everyone around the country to make their nominations for the 2010 Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards. These awards publicly recognise people whose personal money has made an outstanding and lasting contribution in their communities and to society. The awards serve to highlight achievements and inspire others to give and to make a difference.
Philanthropy Ireland welcomes the publication of the report “An assessment of the current state and future potential of philanthropic giving in the Republic of Ireland” by McKinsely and Company. The report concludes that “despite the current economic conditions in Ireland, there remains untapped potential for philanthropic growth” and “significant potential” for philanthropic growth from private individuals, corporations and foundations.

Our site contains resources for those seeking funding, advice or general information on philanthropy.
Our site contains resources on giving for individual donors and philanthropic organisations.