Responding to the cost-of-living crisis, action on climate and nature and combatting gender-based violence are key interests for Irish Philanthropists, according to the latest Community Foundation Ireland annual report.
The report shows that a rise in philanthropic giving which started during the pandemic has been maintained with philanthropists to the Foundation providing more than €23.5 Million in support through 1,119 grants. (an increase of €3.5 Million on the previous year).
Total grant-making by the Community Foundation since it began in 2000 now exceeds over €150 Million. As a philanthropic hub the Foundation and its supporters are on a mission of ‘Equality For All in Thriving Communities’.
Donors and Philanthropists were motivated to respond to a number of challenges:
Responding to the Cost-of-Living Crisis saw support for key frontline services, including the provision of basic needs such as food, heat and clothing while also work with partners on pioneering research to keep the urgent need to end child poverty in focus.
Climate and Nature Partnerships have seen 250 communities move to protect local plants, wildlife and habitats while others are establishing local circular economies. The Foundation continues to establish itself as a leader in this space with 15% of grants aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for all.
A continued commitment to End Gender-based Violence saw research with the National Women’s Council on sex for rent leading to Government commitments to introduce new laws while other research by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) Institute put the harms of violent pornography in the media and political spotlight.
Publishing the report Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:
“Irish philanthropy has the ability to make strategic interventions and allowing pioneering projects which can transform lives. We see that throughout the latest annual report as once again our donors, supporters and philanthropists stepped up to take on the challenges facing families, communities, our country and our planet.
As a Community Foundation working and partnering with voluntary, community and charitable groups across the country we have a bank of knowledge and expertise which can guide strategic giving and often fund work which otherwise would not happen.
We see that turned into action by the hundreds of communities now implementing local climate and nature plans. We see it in our anti-poverty partnerships with the ESRI and the Children’s Rights Alliance securing hot school meals for every child and other commitments. We also see it in agenda setting pieces of research which spotlight new trends in sexual exploitation.
As we pass our 25-year milestone we do so with an awareness that while we have had our successes together, we do also still live in a society where people are isolated, in poverty, in dangerous homes and all this against the backdrop of a climate crisis. We see efforts to take on those challenges as the agenda for our next 25-years.”
The 2024 Annual Report can be accessed Here.
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