Community Foundation Ireland announces John Cunningham as new Chair

 

Extensive business and civil society leadership will help guide Foundation through a period of philanthropic growth

Community Foundation Ireland has announced the appointment of business leader John Cunningham as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. (29 September 2026)

With more than four decades experience in leadership roles across business, strategy and active board memberships in civil society, John replaces outgoing Chair Roddy Rowan, whose term has come to an end.

The appointment comes as Community Foundation Ireland aims to grow the role of strategic philanthropy in advancing equality, strengthening communities and protecting nature and the environment.

Since its establishment in 2000, the Foundation has raised more than €200 million to advance that mission.

A man and a woman sitting on a leather sofa. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland is welcoming new Chair John Cunningham. The background is a window where trees in autumn foliage are visible. Both are looking at camera and smiling.
Newly appointed Chair of Community Foundation Ireland, John Cunningham (right) with Chief Executive, Denise Charlton (left). Pic: Naoise Culhane

Strategic Philanthropy

Announcing the appointment, Chief Executive Denise Charlton said:

“As a business leader with experience across many areas of civil society, from championing young people to advancing migrant rights to combatting sexual violence, John brings a perspective which will benefit our role as a philanthropic hub.

A perspective that resonates with visionary donors seeking to create meaningful change, while also offering valuable insight to identifying both needs and challenges and the strategic actions needed to secure a better future for people, place and planet.

Through his involvement in a wide range of industries and his membership of the Council of Dublin Chamber, John will bring experience and insight that will assist the continued evolution of Irish philanthropy.

Building on the focus developed under outgoing Chair Roddy Rowan, I look forward to John advising the Foundation team to ensure our philanthropy remains both strategic and impactful.”

Welcoming his appointment, John Cunningham added:

“As a former Chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Sexual Exploitation and Research Policy (SERP) Institute and Gaisce, I have seen first-hand how philanthropy can bring about changes which transform lives and communities.

With ambition, courage and leadership, Community Foundation Ireland continues to stand with those who are on the sidelines of our society – seeking to advance equality, to make our communities stronger and to ensure the future is sustainable, clean and healthy.

I look forward to the work ahead with Denise and the team and to holding true to both the Foundation’s values and mission.”

ENDS

John Cunningham 

John Cunningham’s career has spanned more than 40 years in marketing, management, business development and executive management in organisations such as Irish Permanent, Friends First, Zurich Bank, Alexander Mann Solutions, Morgan McKinley and the Lysis Group. John is currently Market Insights Director for BAM. He has a long association with the arts in Ireland and founded the IMMA 1000 fundraising initiative. John is a member of the Council of Dublin Chamber. John was formerly Chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and of Gaisce, The President’s Award.

Community Foundation Ireland 

Community Foundation Ireland mobilises strategic philanthropy to advance equality, strengthen communities and protect nature and the environment. Working with more than 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners, it provides expertise, knowledge and support to ensure effective giving and lasting social impact.