As we mark the 10th annual Philanthropy Symposium on 15 October, I have been reflecting on how much has changed over the past decade – and how much possibility still lies ahead.

For decades, managing grants was bogged down by paperwork, spreadsheets, and endless back-and-forth emails, draining time that could have been spent building relationships and amplifying impact. Flexigrant, developed by Fluent Technology…

New research conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of Philanthropy Ireland offers an encouraging and instructive snapshot of how the Irish public views philanthropy today. At a time when the National...

Welcome to the latest edition of Philanthropy Ireland magazine. This issue comes at a pivotal moment for our sector. The pressures on philanthropy have never been greater. Communities are facing complex, urgent…

April 2023 marked the beginning of a profound change in Irish law with the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, amended in 2022. The reform dismantles the long-standing…

Tom Clinch brings together two worlds that do not always meet: wealth management and the creative arts.

Becky, how did you find your way into philanthropy? My main job is Chief of Staff at Langland Conservation, which supports conservation NGOs with intelligence. But my philanthropy story began in 2020…

Families living with neuro-physical disabilities often find themselves navigating a fragmented and inequitable system.

For families seeking to preserve both wealth and values across generations, financial assets are only part of the legacy.

In the world of philanthropy, funding is about more than just writing a cheque. It is about building relationships that empower charities to do what they do best – serve communities and drive…

At OKC, we are committed to ‘connecting great people with great causes to achieve great impact.

In County Fermanagh, the legacy of one of Ireland’s most distinguished musicians continues to shape the next generation of creative talent. The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards, administered by The Fermanagh Trust...

The insights, wisdom and generosity of women and girls is always central in driving Community Foundation Ireland’s commitment to deliver for people, place and planet...

The Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 (the 2024 Act) introduces significant changes to the governance and regulatory framework for charities in Ireland, amending the Charities Act 2009, the principal piece…

Across Ireland, communities are already feeling the effects of the climate crisis, but the benefits of the green transition often remain out of reach. While some sectors profit from decarbonisation, many households…

Corporate philanthropy has evolved. No longer confined to writing cheques or one-off sponsorships, today’s most impactful initiatives align with core business objectives while delivering measurable social value…

In this episode of the Philanthropy Ireland Podcast, Vincent Wall speaks with Ed Murphy about business, giving, and revitalising rural Ireland. Ed reflects on business success, the meaning of “enough,” and why...

In a world facing urgent and complex social challenges, the role of philanthropy—and by extension, the impact of grantmakers—has never been more vital. As Ireland grapples with social…

In 2023, 36 people we had mostly never met lent Common Knowledge €600,000 through community bonds to buy a retreat centre.

I've spent a fair chunk of my career listening to what I've come to call "grants rage." On one side, community groups: online forms that crash, questions asked multiple times in slightly different ways, reports that...

When Irish Sailing’s Eve McMahon won Gold at the Grand Slam regatta in Los Angeles in 2025, few in the crowd knew the full story. Behind that podium moment was an Irish donor who had funded a training base...

Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary at DRCDG, reflects on progress at the halfway point of Ireland’s National Philanthropy Policy, the lessons learned so far and what must happen between now and 2028.

Philanthropy is a powerful force for social impact. The Irish philanthropy landscape has evolved significantly over recent years and is now backed by Ireland’s National Philanthropy Policy, along with support…

Vincent Wall speaks with Declan (Dec) Ryan about giving, risk, mental health, social enterprise and what he has learned from more than two decades of philanthropy.

Corporate philanthropy plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges and driving sustainable change. As businesses increasingly look to align their profits with purpose, philanthropic foundations like Smurfit Westrock’…

From education and healthcare to play, inclusion and community support, philanthropy can be most powerful when it responds to a clearly identified local need. The Smurfit Westrock Foundation supports sustainable projects.

Ireland’s philanthropic sector continues to evolve and develop. As philanthropy gains prominence through the National Philanthropy Policy and increasing public visibility, governance and compliance are...

In 2015, Dr Cliona Curley, a cybercrime investigator and analyst, was visiting schools to talk with children about how to be safe and smart online. She saw first-hand the huge gap between what…

In a world shaped by growing inequality, climate change, and fragile health systems, the need for effective, scalable health interventions has never been greater. Eye health stands out as one of the most powerful...

In her book, A New Era of Philanthropy, author and philanthropy leader Dimple Abichandani offers a core thesis that to meet the intersecting challenges of our time, philanthropy must evolve…

Lisa, to start, philanthropy is a widely discussed term, but it often conjures different interpretations. Can you share your perspective on what philanthropy is and what you believe it should be?...

Since taking on responsibility for the National Philanthropy Policy, what have been your main priorities, and how are you approaching the role? In December 2023, my Department launched the first ever…

Q: What drew you into the world of philanthropy? A: I’ve had a very diverse career spanning banking, property, and financial management, but what struck me first about the ‘not-for- profit’ sector…

Philanthropy Ireland has advocated for a National Policy for many years to support the philanthropy community, stimulate further philanthropy, and promote the impact philanthropy is having in communities across Ireland...

In 2024, Medtronic celebrates 75 years in operation. Part of a fast paced and ever-changing industry, one thing has remained steadfast for decades - our mission: to alleviate pain, restore health…

Women & Philanthropy in Ireland: From Hidden Presence to Recognised Influence is a new landmark study that presents the first in‑depth qualitative exploration of giving by women to Ireland. I was part of a research...

Ireland has always been known for its generosity. Whether its neighbours looking out for each other, communities rallying around a local cause, or donors supporting national appeals, giving…

Across Ireland’s philanthropic and charitable landscape, leaders, donors and trustees are facing a common challenge. Social need is becoming more complex, resources are under pressure and expectations around...

Charitable giving is becoming an increasingly central focus for many people as they plan their financial futures. More than just a financial consideration, it offers a unique opportunity to support causes…

As part of Philanthropy Ireland’s Philanthropy Symposium 24, attendees will explore potential futures for the Irish philanthropy community and examine ways to support social impact through strategic giving by…

In May 2025, the National Philanthropy Policy for Ireland 2024–2028 moved from ambition to action. Through a targeted call from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, a new...

Philanthropy Ireland will continue to play a pivotal role in the evolution and advancement of philanthropy across the country, fostering a culture of giving and promoting impactful, sustainable change…

We see Irish philanthropy not as a single entity, but as a dynamic system, one made up of relationships, capital flows, professional expertise and shared purpose. It includes those who mobilise private wealth for public good...

It is an exciting moment for philanthropy in Ireland. Momentum is building, conversations are expanding, and the impact of giving is being felt more widely and more deeply across our communities…

Ireland is entering an important period for philanthropy. Household wealth is at a record high of €1.27 trillion.

In the remote and picturesque peninsula of Inishowen, Co. Donegal, an inspiring story of community-driven philanthropy has unfolded. Louise McElvaney, alongside her childhood friend Sean McDaid, co-founded…

Philanthropy in Ireland is undergoing a quiet transformation, with increasing numbers of individuals, families, and businesses expressing a desire to make a meaningful impact on society through charitable giving…

Impact is one of those words we
use constantly in philanthropy. We
talk about creating it, measuring it,
demonstrating it and, of course,
sustaining it.

When asked about recent funding of their work, one of our grantee partners said something that has stayed with me.

When Clíona Murphy and her husband Eoin returned to Ireland after years working across Asia, they came home with more than experience, they came back with perspective. At Trinity’s…