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Tools for Giving

The Community Foundation for Ireland is made up a range of charitable funds, each with its own history and purpose. Through The Foundation's various fund options, your client can find a flexible way to support the important charitable causes and organisations in which he or she is most interested.

Your client may choose one or a combination of the following types of funds to create a customised philanthropic plan. 

Donor Advised Fund

A Donor Advised Fund is a flexible tool for charitable giving, operating much like a personal or family foundation. The donor contributes to the fund when it is convenient and appropriate and receives a charitable income tax deduction for the contribution at the time of the gift. At any time thereafter, the donor can recommend grants from the fund to qualified organisations and programs anywhere in Ireland or abroad. You can explore new areas of grant-making that interest you or request that we keep you abreast of emerging community needs. The donor also may appoint others, such as family members, to serve as fund advisors and share in the family tradition of giving.

Designated Fund

Through a Designated Fund, the donor may provide permanent support specific to favorite charitable organisations by selecting one or more organisations to receive income from the fund annually. The Foundation will see that the fund is used to continue the donor's charitable intent in the future, even if any of the designated organisations should cease to operate.

Field of Interest Fund

A Field of Interest Fund allows the donor to support a particular area of interest, such as homelessness, education, the arts or the environment. The Foundation's professional grantmaking staff and Board of Directors will select the most appropriate charitable organisations to receive grants from the fund.

Unrestricted Funds

If your interests are broad and you are primarily concerned with meeting the most urgent needs of the community as they change from year to year, an unrestricted fund is the most effective way to facilitate this. Such a fund allows the Board of Directors full discretion to determine how income from your fund can be directed to the most immediate and pressing challenges facing the community – now and in the future. Contact the Development Office for more information.

Organisational Endowment Funds

Not for profit organisations and institutions seeking to protect long term goals and objectives with the support of investment management professionals can establish a permanent endowment fund compatible with the ethos and activities of that organisation at the Community Foundation for Ireland. The Foundation has a unique remit as:

  • It supports a wide range of community & voluntary groups and activities throughout Ireland, and overseas.
  • Its principal focus is on building Permanent Endowment Funds for good, for Ireland …. and for ever .

This flexibility has particular appeal for religious and other charitable institutions who wish to ensure their funds can be applied in support of their ethos and activities, in full compliance with Charity Tax Law, without incurring the burden and costs involved in the administration, compliance and regulatory reporting associated with such funds.

More detailed information sheets are available on all these options. Please contact the Community Foundation for Ireland office.