Community Foundation Ireland is calling for a new national policy on Philanthropy to take meaningful actions which can help end serious social and equality issues by promoting and growing private giving.
The Foundation, a philanthropic hub which has provided over €120m in grant-making since 2000 to support an equality mission, has published recommendations for the new policy which is being developed by government and expected to be announced in the autumn.
In its response ‘Growing Irish Philanthropy’ the Foundation says by taking the right steps now government can ensure agile, innovative, and courageous responses to climate action, the cost-of living crisis and inequality in all its forms.
Community Foundation Ireland is making four recommendations for inclusion in the final policy.
• Sustainable Futures Endowment Fund: The Foundation proposes the creation of a ‘Sustainable Futures Endowment Fund,’ backed by a €10m government seed funding. Combined with existing grant-making, this initiative ensures perpetual climate and biodiversity grant-making for communities.
• Cross Government Commitment to Match Funding: The Foundation urges a commitment to match funding across all government departments and agencies. The document state that there are departments and agencies in both national and local government who are not engaged with or do not consider philanthropy in terms of delivering projects which for a variety of reasons cannot go ahead with public funding alone.
• Promoting and Growing Legacy Giving: The Foundation advocates for a national awareness campaign as well as practical measures, including reforming Capital Acquisition Tax to incentivise donations from inherited wealth, should be considered.
• Place-Based Giving: Drawing from its successful place-based giving initiatives such as the Monaghan Fund and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Community Fund, the Foundation encourages the development of pilot funds and initiatives at the national and local levels to unlock the full potential of place-based approaches.
Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland, commented: “The Foundation is making four recommendations which recognise philanthropic giving as agile, innovative, and brave. Each is informed by insights from our 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners as well as donors who have provided more than €120m in grant-making since 2000.”
Photo: Denise Charlton with Roddy Rowan, chairman of Community Foundation Ireland
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