by: Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Department of Rural and Community Development

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.

Philanthropy Ireland has linked closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development in creating the Policy, through extensive research and consultative process. The Policy was formally launched in December 2023. Philanthropy Ireland interviewed Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Rural and Community Development to get an update on the implementation of the Policy and plans for the future.

The entire philanthropy community was delighted to see the launch of the first National Policy on Philanthropy in December 2023, can you share the original vision behind the Policy? What specific challenges or opportunities in Ireland’s philanthropy landscape led to its creation?

The Policy stems from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Statement of Strategy, which sets out the vision, mission, and strategic goals that guide the work of the Department. One of those goals is to ‘Enable the community, voluntary, charity, philanthropic and social economy sectors to contribute fully to civil society’.

From our contacts with the sector, we were aware that there were a range of impediments to philanthropic giving in Ireland. These need to be addressed if the philanthropic sector is to contribute fully to society. So it was in this context that the Department committed in its Strategy to developing a National Philanthropy Policy.

Our vision for this Policy was to create a culture of philanthropy in Ireland, where the concept is understood by all, the important role it can play in society is appreciated, and Government plays its part in encouraging and fostering the right environment for philanthropy to grow and flourish.

The publication of the Policy on 13 December 2023 was the culmination of years of collaborative work between government and the wider philanthropic sector.

We are delighted that the Policy has been received so positively by the sector and are excited about the challenge of implementing it over the next few years.

How did you approach the development of the policy? Who were the key stakeholders involved, and how did their input shape the final document?

As anyone who has ever been involved in policymaking would know, it was a lengthy but necessary and ultimately rewarding process!

Our journey commenced back in 2019 with philanthropists, representatives from the sector, beneficiaries, colleagues from across government departments and local government, academia, and international representatives.

Since 2019, a huge amount of work has been completed; we commissioned research, published reports and organised workshops. We established a National Advisory Group and a number of sub-groups, whose roles have been instrumental in the development of the policy.

While it might seem like a long period of time, each of those steps was essential to the advancement of the policy and to ultimately produce a document we could all get behind.

We also carried out a public consultation, which was a key element of the policy development. It was important for us to ensure that the process was as open and transparent as possible and as such, opened the consultation process to ensure that everyone with an interest in the policy could make their voices heard.

All of this was the combined effort of a huge cohort of people, working together, with the common goal to produce a document that would positively contribute to enabling and advancing philanthropy to support a more equitable, sustainable and just society.

What are the primary goals of the National Philanthropy Policy? How do you see it transforming the philanthropy sector in Ireland?

The policy’s main purpose is to deepen understanding and knowledge, create an enabling environment and accelerate engagement with philanthropy in Ireland for social good.

In order to do that, five key objectives have been identified, with specific actions to be carried out under each one.

More specifically, the policy looks at increasing the understanding and awareness of the value of philanthropy; collecting and utilising data and research to inform decision-making; identifying opportunities to encourage and increase giving, including through fiscal incentives; promoting understanding and collaboration between philanthropy and government; and building and supporting the capacity of philanthropy stakeholders.

In addition, the successful delivery of the policy will support the philanthropy sector to strengthen its capacity to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Philanthropic organisations are already playing an increasingly prominent role in supporting the international sustainable agenda, and delivering on the key objectives of the policy will ensure that we move towards a more joined-up approach that supports and recognises the important role of philanthropy in policy development and delivery.

Since the policy’s launch, what progress has been made in its implementation?

Our first step has been to establish an Implementation and Monitoring Group (IMG), which I chair. The IMG is composed of key actors of the sector, representatives from national and local government and academia. Its purpose is to oversee, advise and monitor the overall implementation of the Policy, with a particular focus on progressing the 5 objectives set out in the policy.

We have established five sub-groups, in line with the key objectives of the policy. Each sub-group is chaired by a member of the IMG. The sub-groups are tasked with delivering the policy actions under each of their objectives, and as a first step, they have each been asked to develop a work plan, detailing the steps they will take to deliver each action.

We ensure that the chairs of the five sub-groups meet as necessary, to ensure cross communication and identify early potential duplication of work or synergies between objectives.

While it is early days in the implementation of the policy, we were pleased that some proposals in relation to fiscal measures put forward by the sub-group on Stimulating and Incentivising Philanthropy were taken on board by the Minister of Finance and formed part of the recent budget announcement.

How has the policy impacted the relationship between the government and the philanthropic community? Do you envision an increase in collaboration or new partnerships as a result?

The development, and subsequent implementation, of the policy has helped us to build on existing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. Indeed, it is recognised that effective collaboration is key to the achievement of the policy objectives. The policy itself provides a framework for Philanthropy, Government and Beneficiaries to work more collaboratively and effectively. This approach is now more important than ever, as our society continues to create vibrant and integrated communities while responding to emerging challenges.

How is the impact of the policy being measured? What indicators are being used to assess its success?

Measuring the impact of the policy is very important and is a key element for us in the Department. While drafting the policy, we wanted to ensure that it was a strong document and that it would serve its purpose, which is to enhance collaboration between the sector, beneficiaries, and Government to put in place an environment where philanthropy can grow. So now, making sure it is implemented effectively is paramount.

As part of their work plan, each sub-group has to agree on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each of the actions and sub-actions they have to deliver. Those KPIs will let us know what success looks like and help us track the progress of all actions.

The Department will also publish annual updates on the progress of the Policy. The first Progress Report will be published in Q1 2025.

How does Ireland’s approach to philanthropy policy compare with other countries? Are there international models or practices that influenced the Irish policy?

There is no single definition of philanthropy internationally. However, in developing our policy, we sought to ensure that there was a detailed analysis and consideration of emerging themes, both national and international.

By way of example, the National Advisory Group which supported the Department in producing the policy, included international representatives, from both a policy and philanthropic background. They shared their knowledge and experience of philanthropy outside of Ireland and brought an invaluable perspective to the work.

We are aware that since its publication, Ireland’s National Philanthropy Policy has been talked about across Europe and is being seen as a benchmark, and its collaborative process as a model to follow in other countries, which we are very proud of.

We have also been contacted by countries much further afield, embarking on their own journey to develop philanthropy.

The impact of this policy from our small island has gone far beyond what any of us had expected and we are delighted to be in a position to assist and guide others by sharing our own experience of the process.

What would you like to see from Ireland’s philanthropic community to further support the goals of the National Philanthropy Policy? How can philanthropists and organisations contribute to its success?

We’ll always encourage philanthropists, and the wider philanthropy community, to engage in the process by either talking to us directly, or via organisations that represent them such as Philanthropy Ireland.

People and organisations have been very proactive in coming forward to support us in the implementation of the policy, which is extremely positive; it shows the appetite of the sector in delivering our objectives and their belief that those actions will bring real change.

While the overall responsibility for policy co-ordination rests with the Department, all the actors of the wider philanthropy sector have a role to play in its implementation. We are acutely aware that collaboration is key to achieve the objectives of the policy and we will continue to build and maintain strong relationships with all involved.

With this policy, we want to send a clear message about the value placed by Government on philanthropy and its positive role in society. The Philanthropy Policy has been developed with, and, for the sector. So we say - keep the conversation going, submit your ideas, come talk to us.

Is there anything else you would like to add or to communicate to the philanthropy community?

The National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028 is one of a suite of policies produced by the Department of Rural and Community Development in recent years – for example, the National Volunteering Strategy and the National Social Enterprise Strategy - which are focussed on supporting communities and strengthening civil society. Together these form a strong policy framework, providing a full range of appropriate supports to improve the capability of organisations that deliver services to individuals and communities, and contribute to a fairer and more inclusive society.

Through the implementation of our policies, we keep working towards the Department’s vision for a sustainable society with individual and community wellbeing at its heart, supporting thriving rural communities, and where all communities, urban and rural, have opportunities to grow and develop economically, socially and culturally.