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. Philanthropy Ireland began this journey with an exploratory session at our 2024 Symposium, followed by an intensive workshop with philanthropy leaders in early 2025. The outcome is a clear, ambitious vision for the future of Irish philanthropy—and the pathways to achieve it. This infographic captures the key highlights. The full report, with detailed insights and recommendations, is available now on our website.

Guiding Vision: "From Nascent to Courageous – Building a Brave, Collaborative, and Transformative Philanthropy in Ireland"

Philanthropy Ireland envisions a future where philanthropy is transparent, strategic, inclusive, and systemic—no longer reactive or fragmented, but an essential driver of societal transformation. This new era will be characterised by:

Courageous Leadership: Embracing bold action and risk-taking to tackle root causes of inequality, climate crisis, and systemic barriers.

Radical Transparency: Normalising open dialogue about wealth, power, and philanthropic impact to build trust and legitimacy.

Collaborative Synergy: Deep alignment and partnerships across philanthropy, government, civil society, and business.

Professional Infrastructure: Supported by enabling policies, accessible philanthropic tools, and expert advisory networks.

Local Roots, Global Reach: Balancing grassroots responsiveness with global responsibility and cross-border innovation.

Empowered Narrative: A cultural shift from the myth of silent charity to a vibrant story of community-powered philanthropy.

Phase 1: Build Confidence and Visibility (2025–2027)

• Adopt and Promote a New Narrative

  • Replace "nascent" with “courageous” philanthropy across all communications.

  • Launch a national storytelling campaign showcasing diverse, impactful philanthropic efforts.

• Expand the Culture of Giving

  • Promote inclusive messages like “Philanthropy for Everyone” across schools, universities, and workplaces.

  • Encourage giving of time, knowledge, and influence—not just money.

  • Tap into younger generations’ passion for justice and tech-savviness to develop new giving models.

• Enhance Transparency and Trust

  • Partner with media to highlight success stories and philanthropic impact.

  • Support public-facing platforms for tracking philanthropic initiatives and fund flows.

Phase 2: Strengthen Infrastructure and Capacity (2027–2030)

• Policy & Regulatory Reforms

  • Advocate for streamlined, supportive regulations and tax incentives.

  • Establish dedicated government units or liaisons to support philanthropic innovation.

• Professional Development

  • Create training programs and certification for philanthropy advisors and nonprofit leaders.

  • Fund research hubs and think tanks to evaluate philanthropic outcomes and trends.

  • Use technology for real-time tracking of outcomes, needs forecasting, and grant effectiveness.

• Develop Collaborative Platforms

  • Launch national and regional hubs for donors and nonprofits to share data, co-fund initiatives, and coordinate strategies.

  • Foster pooled and donor-advised fund models adapted to Irish context.

Phase 3: Drive Transformative Impact (2030–2035)

• Champion Systemic Change

  • Shift funding priorities toward long-term, systemic initiatives.

  • Encourage multi-year commitments and unrestricted funding.

  • Develop rapid-response philanthropic models for emerging crises (e.g., climate disasters, pandemics).

• Institutionalise Place-Based Philanthropy

  • Promote models where local philanthropists work hand-in-hand with communities to develop tailored, strategic interventions.

• Advance Global Philanthropic Engagement

  • Strengthen Ireland’s role in international philanthropy.

  • Build North-South philanthropic bridges across the island of Ireland.