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LETTER TO PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS FROM CEO, TINA ROCHE

As the year comes to a close, it is a time when many of us reflect on the successes that are behind us and the opportunities ahead of us. At The Community Foundation, we have had an amazing year. Grant-making was up by an incredible 50% to €2million (so far) and we had our greatest ever increase in the number of new funds being established – 14 so far with more perhaps to follow before the year is out.

Early in the year, we provided support to people affected by the widespread flooding in Ireland. Much of the support was provided by our donors and companies affiliated to our sister agency, Business in the Community Ireland. We thank them all.

There has been an increase in the number of new family funds. It is amazing to see families giving away part of their wealth and availing of our supports to ensure strategic impact is being made. The Community Foundation is becoming a real ‘home for family philanthropy’ and we will continue in 2011 to encourage more family philanthropy where possible and appropriate.

We have continued to support small grassroots charities, many of whom that have lost HSE or other central government funding. Over €400,000 was given to hundreds of groups. This year we worked with three other trusts/foundations – OLC Trust Ireland for whom we project manage their giving programme to groups supporting marginalised women, the Mount Street Club Trust for whom we are running the new Community Growers Fund and with Atlantic Philanthropies to jointly fund our grant-making to the LGBT community.
The new Women's Fund has received donations of over €225,000 to date. Most of this has been allocated to endowment. Our first call for grants was over 40 times over-subscribed! Over €440,000 worth of applications were received so alas there were many disappointed organisations. However, ten great projects with a total value of €17,250 are being supported. To see more about The Women's Fund, click here.

By any account, 2010 has been a phenomenal year for The Foundation. However, we know that in Ireland, many are still experiencing prolonged difficulty and hardship. Finally, we are pleased to report that we are already confident of a number of other families and companies setting up funds with us in 2011 so we look forward to another strong year for growing philanthropy in Ireland.

Finally, in this season of giving, I ask you to reflect on the meaning of community and to join us in supporting those who need assistance. We are doing what we can, but if you or your clients would like to talk to us about how you or they can help, we would be delighted to do so. Your gift will make a difference.