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Magazine Articles

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A New Era of Grantmaking

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…

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A Public Ready for Philanthropy: Opportunity Meets Awareness Gap

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...

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A Roadmap for the Future of Irish Philanthropy (Special Insert)

This strategic resource is the result of deep consultation with the philanthropy community, using a futures and foresight methodology developed in collaboration with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies…

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A Shared Future: Policy, Purpose, and the Road Ahead for Irish Philanthropy

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…

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Assisted Decision-Making

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…

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Becky Holmes on Bold Philanthropy, Biodiversity, and Building Trust

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…

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Building Better Relationships: How Funders Can Support Charities More Effectively

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…

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Carrying a Musical Legacy Forward: The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards

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...

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Celebrating Women in Philanthropy

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...

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Changes to Charity Law: What Philanthropic Organisations Should Know

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…

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Climate Action, Community Wealth, and the Opportunity for Transformative Philanthropy

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…

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Corporate Philanthropy: A Future-Focused Strategy That Works for Everyone

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…

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Driving Local Change: An Interview with Ed Murphy

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...

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Empowering Grantmakers to Deepen Impact through Philanthropy

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…

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From Grants Rage to Real Impact

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...

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From Pier to Podium: The Power of Philanthropy in Irish Sport

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...

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From Transactional to Transformative: Enabling Philanthropic Impact in Ireland

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…

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Global Impact, Local Focus

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’…

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Governance, Compliance and Grant-Making: What Ireland’s Philanthropic Foundations Need to Know

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...

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How Philanthropy Has Supported the Growth of CyberSafeKids Over the Last Decade

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…

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How Philanthropy is Helping Sightsavers Ireland Deliver Lasting Impact Through Eye Health

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...

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In Conversation with Dimple Abichandani: A New Era of Philanthropy

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…

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In Conversation with Lisa Greer

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?...

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In Conversation with Minister of State Jerry Buttimer

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…

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In Conversation with Samantha Briody

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…

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Ireland’s First National Policy on Philanthropy

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...

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Medtronic: On a Mission to Drive Equity in 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…

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New Report: Women & Philanthropy in Ireland: From Hidden Presence to Recognised Influence

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...

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Philanthropy in Motion: Irish Generosity, Personal Journeys & Evolving Impact

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…

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Planning for the Future: Stewardship in Irish Philanthropy

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...

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Preserving Your Legacy: Combining Charitable Contributions with Wealth Planning

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…

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Taking the Long View: Why Futures Thinking is Essential for Philanthropy

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…

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Testing What Works: One Year on from Ireland’s Pilot Place-Based Philanthropy Projects

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...

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The Future of Philanthropy

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…

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The Irish Philanthropy Ecosystem

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...

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The Power and Potential of Conversations on Philanthropy

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…

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The Story of the 5Ten Trust: A Passion for Giving Back

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…

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The Vital Role for Professional Advisers in the Philanthropy Ecosystem

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…

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Why Strategic Giving Matters Now: A Conversation with Clíona Murphy

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…

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