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International Experts on Philanthropy Launch the 2009 Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards

International Experts on Philanthropy launch the Call for Nominations for the 2009 Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards

• Ireland hosts International Forum on Philanthropy as the Community Foundation for Ireland launch the 2009 Philanthropist of the Year Awards
• Over 20 CEO’s of International Community Foundations are participating, countries represented range from the United States, Mexico and Canada to Ireland, Belgium and England
• Accumulated figures show, over €800 million in philanthropic funds and in excess of 50,000 community organisations assisted by all participating Foundations at the forum
• Nominations for the 2009 Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards can be made at http://www.foundation.ie, closing date Wednesday, 15th September
Dublin, 22nd June: The Community Foundation for Ireland, a leading organisation dedicated to the development of philanthropy in Ireland is, today, hosting an International Forum on the Future of Philanthropy. The forum is highlighting the need for stronger awareness of the work of philanthropists among our communities. All 20 CEO’s, representing Community Foundations in countries ranging from the United States, Canada and Mexico to England, Poland and Belgium, called for the Irish people to recognise the work of philanthropy and to send in their nominations for the Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards 2009.
Community Foundations are charities located around the world dedicated to strengthening local communities and tackling issues of disadvantage and exclusion at source using philanthropic funds. In all, the Community Foundations present at the forum hold over €800 million in funds received from thousands of donors. Between the 20 Foundations present, they have supported in excess of 50,000 community groups worldwide. However, at the forum all Foundations raised the need to highlight philanthropic work in order to encourage more such activity in the future and as such were honoured to be in Ireland for the launch of the prestigious Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards 2009.
This will be the third year that the Community Foundation for Ireland will hold the Philanthropist of the Year Awards. The awards aim to recognise extraordinary individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in the area of personal philanthropy and who, through their giving, have made a remarkable difference in bringing about sustainable social change.
The awards focus on three categories, Local, National and International Philanthropist of the Year. Previous winners include:
JP, Mc Manus, National Philanthropist of the Year 2007,
Niall Mellon, International Philanthropist of the Year 2007,
Ralph Parkes, the first Local Philanthropist of the year in 2008,
Declan Ryan, National Philanthropist of the Year 2008 and
Jane Corboy, International Philanthropist of the Year 2008
Commenting at the launch of this year’s Awards, CEO of the Community Foundation for Ireland, Tina Roche said “This is a difficult time for all NGO’s in Ireland and worldwide. Government funding is diminishing and we need to start looking at a more sustainable and realistic approach to how funding is raised and achieved. Philanthropy and the work of philanthropists in Ireland is key to sustainable funding. It is vital that the people who are currently active in this area stand up to show what can be done and how individuals, either on a financially small or large scale, can make a huge difference to society and community life in Ireland. Philanthropy is a great model for the future and we hope to encourage more philanthropic endeavors through the recognition of the work already being done.”
Nominations are invited from the general public – including community and voluntary organisations, charities, welfare groups, arts and sports bodies, churches and foundations that work in partnership with philanthropists and have knowledge of the value and impact of the contribution and benefit that a donor has made. Closing date for nominations is Wednesday, 15th September and nomination forms are available online at http://www.foundation.ie
Ends

For Further Information please contact:
Una O’ Murchu
Community Foundation for Ireland
Tel: 01 874 3821
Mob: 086 780 8762

Notes to Editor:
About Community Foundation for Ireland
The Community Foundation for Ireland was established in 2000. Our goal is to encourage individual and corporate philanthropic support for the community and voluntary sector. Since it was established in 2000, The Foundation has given grants to almost 1,000 community and voluntary organisations. The Foundation, a registered charity, has grown with the support of individuals, families, businesses, religious and other institutions through enabling them engage in effective philanthropic activity by getting funds to the most deserving and effective local grassroots causes. Last year was CFI’s most successful year to date, with over €13.5m donated to the fund by individuals and organisations. As a result of these new funds, CFI is significantly increasing its grant making in 2007 and beyond.