Over €20M in Equality Grants

Strategic philanthropic grants seek to end climate change, child poverty and sexual violence

Community Foundation Ireland grant-making over the past 12-months will surpass €20M according to preliminary figures in a 2023 Impact Report.

The Foundation which is supported by donors to advance a mission of Equality for All In Thriving Communities says the level of grant-making shows the role of philanthropy in funding projects, research and campaigns which otherwise would not happen.

Since its establishment in 2000 as a philanthropic hub for Ireland, donors have grown initial Government seed funding of €1M into more than €130M in grant-making to 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups.

Publishing the report the Foundation is calling on Government to implement key measures in the recently published first National Policy on Philanthropy.

It says increased interest by donors in combatting issues such as climate change, child poverty, sexual violence as well as discrimination in all its forms can be leveraged to help identify and implement solutions benefitting people in every community in the country.

During the year the Foundation and its donors supported:

ESRI Research and Ireland’s Child Poverty Monitor to put the issue of children living in poverty and deprivation top of the political agenda

Partnered with hundreds of communities to formulate and then implement local Circular Economy and Biodiversity Action Plans

Supported the running of 30 regional Pride festivals across the Island of Ireland

Transformed the lives of 1.1 Million children and their families through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal

Supported pioneering research on sexual exploitation which secured Government commitments to tackle the abuse of children in care, in particular lone migrant children

Partnering with communities and partners to respond to the voices of extremism seeking to create division

Launching the Impact Report, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:

“Our donors and partners have responded during a period of immense challenge to allow strategic grant-making where it is needed most. They have been there for communities, campaigns and research when others are not.

Significantly the first National Policy on Philanthropy with Government recognising the potential of private giving for public good was published last month. We hope during this year that key actions are implemented.

The establishment of pilot local funds would reflect increasing interest by donors to give to communities where they have a personal link. A new cross-Government openness to partnering with philanthropy offers opportunities to bring a new perspective to resolving complex challenges. While the promotion of legacy giving could we believe untap a further €160M for local communities.

All our work as a philanthropic hub is rooted in partnership. We remain committed to work with Government and others to ensure the National Policy is used to deliver benefits for all.”