by: Hazel Hennessy, Head of Communications and Relationships at Philanthropy Ireland

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 justice issues ranging from inequality and climate resilience to digital transformation and community development, grantmakers are uniquely positioned to catalyse impactful change. But how can they do this more effectively, particularly as operational complexities grow?

Recent insights from Philanthropy Ireland's convenings, including the Grant Operations and Efficiency Workshop featuring Modern GrantMaking and the Tech to Support Grantmakers Report, provide a timely and comprehensive guide to navigating this evolving landscape. Whether you are just starting your philanthropic journey or looking to refine and deepen your grantmaking expertise, these findings offer a range of practical insights to support more impactful, equitable, and efficient funding practices.

Laying the Right Foundation for Grantmakers at the Beginning of Their Journey

Starting with a clear strategy and human-centered design can improve the process for grantmakers. Here are key early-stage takeaways:

1. Anchor Your Grant Operations in Mission

As emphasised through our workshop with Modern Grantmaking, successful operations must flow from your vision, not the other way around. Early-stage funders should align operational design with mission, community needs, and available staff capacity.

2. Simplify to Amplify

Application processes often accumulate unnecessary complexity. New grantmakers should critically assess every question asked: Is this vital for decision-making? Can forms be consolidated across programmes? As Modern GrantMaking noted, less friction for applicants often means better quality information and stronger relationships.

3. Build Trust Through Flexibility

Inspired by global movements like Mackenzie Scott’s unrestricted, large scale giving, early-stage grantmakers should consider the transformative power of flexible funding. Unrestricted grants, whatever the scale can empower grantees to respond quickly to needs, build internal capacity, and plan long-term—all essential for social innovation.

4. Use Technology Thoughtfully

Starting small with digital tools—such as CRM systems, cloud-based grant platforms, and AI-powered operational tools like OtterAI or Canva—can streamline operations from day one. But avoid overengineering; instead, prioritise tools that enhance applicant experiences, internal efficiencies and align with your values and comfort level.

Deepening Practice and Operational Resilience for Seasoned Grantmakers

More experienced funders have the opportunity—and responsibility—to evolve their practice with rigor, empathy, and continuous learning.

1. Invest in People and Multidisciplinary Teams

High-quality grant operations depend on skilled, empowered teams. Grantmaking is a relational and multidisciplinary craft. Experienced funders should ensure their teams are trained not just in compliance, but in equitable practices, feedback loops, and impact measurement.

2. Leverage AI and Data for Deeper Impact

Technology is no longer optional. Philanthropy Ireland’s recently launched “Tech to Support Grantmakers” report outlines AI’s expanding role—from automating eligibility checks and analysing narrative reports to mapping community needs. Grant Management Systems and AI platforms can help funders make more data-driven decisions with less administrative burden.

3. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Grant operations can stagnate over time due to organisational inertia or "process creep." Experienced funders and grantmakign teams should schedule time for operational reviews—scraping off “barnacles” like redundant forms and processes. This might include testing new feedback mechanisms or updating grant cycles to align better with grantee capacities.

4. Support Systemic Change Through Strategic Philanthropy

Recent initiatives, such as the Social Economy for a Shared Island Report, reflections from St Stephen Green Trusts Traveller Justice Initiative and the Rethink Ireland Fund Evaluation Report have called for increased strategic philanthropy to support growing social issues. This includes creating blended finance models, supporting community asset transfers, embedding sustainable practices, beneficiary centred design and co-developing cross-border initiatives. The common thread through all these findings- strategic philanthropy is about patient capital that nurtures local ecosystems for sustainable social change.

Where Philanthropy Can Lead

Across all levels of experience, the message is clear: philanthropy has a distinct and powerful role in addressing gaps that public systems cannot fill. This includes:

Investing in underfunded sectors like community-led regeneration, climate action, and social enterprise capacity building.

Filling structural gaps such as Ireland’s weak social enterprise regulation and lack of an enabling philanthropic environment by advocating and championing enabling legal frameworks.

Driving innovation through unrestricted or hybrid funding models that allow nonprofits the flexibility to grow and adapt.

Funding Strategically through deep community listening with sustainable social change in mind.

In this regard, Irish philanthropy is poised to lead—not only by funding meaningful work but also by building more inclusive, strategic, and resilient funding systems.

Final Thoughts: Collaboration Is the New Currency

Today’s most effective grantmakers are those who understand that philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about how we give. That includes building long-term relationships, leveraging technology for good, reducing administrative barriers, and embracing new models of funding.

The path to best practice is not linear, but with the right tools, feedback, and intention, Irish grantmakers can scale their impact. As a community, our shared purpose is clear: to ensure philanthropy delivers lasting value to the communities it seeks to support.

Next Steps for Grantmakers:

• Evaluate your current tech tools and identify automation opportunities.

• Review application forms—what can be removed or simplified?

• Host listening sessions with grantees to gather operational feedback.

• Pilot a small unrestricted grant or new way of funding and track the outcomes.

• Connect with other Philanthropy Ireland members to exchange tools and learnings.

• Explore collaboration opportunities wherever you can- be that with likeminded philanthropies, local or national government partnerships, research and measurement supporters or by encouraging collaboration with your grantees- philanthropy has the opportunity to lead the way in meaningful collaboration.