Bolstering the Future of the Arts Through Philanthropy
Since 2018, OKC has enabled increased philanthropic and corporate investment in Ireland’s arts and cultural sector by delivering the RAISE programme on behalf of the Arts Council. RAISE has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of over 120 arts organisations across the country, empowering them to secure private investment and expand their social impact, complementing their statutory funding. RAISE provides tailored solutions that foster organisational effectiveness, ensuring a sustainable future for the arts in Ireland.
What is RAISE?
RAISE is more than a funding initiative; it’s a capacity-building programme designed to equip arts organisations with the tools and strategies needed to attract and sustain philanthropic and business support. The programme offers one-to-one mentoring, group training, resource materials, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. These elements collectively ensure that participating organisations are equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
RAISE Income and Impact at a Glance:
€20m+ Cash & €5m+ In-Kind raised since 2018
RAISE Programme Pillars:
RAISE is built on four core pillars that drive its philanthropic impact:
Funding Growth
Board Engagement & Commitment
Public Awareness
Internal Capacity & Resourcing
The RAISE Structure: A Tailored Approach
RAISE operates through a tiered structure, categorising participants into one of four strands, ensuring that support is tailored to each organisation’s specific needs:
RAISE Academy: For organisations new to fundraising, providing foundational training and mentorship.
RAISE Accelerate: For organisations ready to advance their fundraising strategies with more intensive support.
RAISE Advance: Focused on leadership development and strategic peer-to-peer learning.
RAISE Up Fund: Tailored training and support for organisations with specific mentoring and capacity-building needs.
Shaping the Future of the Arts
Referenced as an exemplar capacity-building programme in the National Philanthropy Policy due to its comprehensive approach to engaging philanthropy, RAISE is not only fostering financial sustainability but also ensuring that the arts continue to thrive and enrich lives and communities across Ireland.
Testimonials: The Impact of RAISE
RAISE has received widespread acclaim from participating organisations for its impact:
“RAISE has been integral to all our successes as an organisation since 2018! The programme has helped us to understand and articulate our value to partners, to steward our donors with warmth, to build meaningful relationships and to understand that trusts and foundations require the same level of stewardship as individual donors.”
“The value of the RAISE programme to arts organisations cannot be overstated. The provision of an excellent body of resources, consultation and training is an investment in the future of arts organisations.”
“It’s challenging to fully capture the positive impact that RAISE is having on incredibly important arts organisations. Their guidance and knowledge are allowing organisations to build solid foundations and put in place the planning required to achieve their goals. This won’t just benefit these organisations this year but will continue to help and support them for the next ten years.”