Key Trends Shaping Irish Philanthropy in 2026

by Hazel Hennessy, Philanthropy Ireland

The scale of private wealth in Ireland is growing, public need is intensifying, and expectations of philanthropy from communities, government, and donors themselves, are evolving rapidly. What emerges from Philanthropy Ireland’s engagement in 2025 is a sector that is increasingly confident, collaborative, and ambitious, yet also navigating real, structural and cultural challenges. Through this engagement with the philanthropy community over the last year, some key trends have emerged that will inform our work in Philanthropy Ireland, and I hope will be of some benefit to our partners and stakeholders also.  

1. Growing Wealth, Next-Generation Donors and Strategic Giving 

Ireland’s wealth landscape is changing rapidly, with significant implications for the future of philanthropy. Household net wealth reached €1.25 trillion in early 2025, reflecting both rising asset values and an increasingly complex mix of financial, property, and business wealth to plan around. Intergenerational wealth transfer is becoming a defining feature of the coming decade: between 30–36% of Irish households have already received or expect to receive an inheritance, and wealth transfers are occurring across a broad range of assets, not solely cash. This scale of transfer creates both opportunity and urgency for philanthropy, as decisions made now will shape whether wealth is primarily preserved, consumed, or mobilised for social good. 

Crucially, the next generation of wealth holders is not approaching philanthropy in the same way as previous generations. Research suggests that younger donors often place greater emphasis on values alignment, measurable impact, transparency, and participation, and may hold a fundamentally different relationship to wealth itself. Rather than viewing philanthropy as a peripheral or end-of-life activity, many see it as an integrated part of how wealth is stewarded, expressed, and put to work in the world.   

“Many next-generation donors see philanthropy not as a peripheral activity, but as an integrated part of how wealth is stewarded, expressed, and put to work in the world.”

For Irish philanthropy, this generational shift presents a pivotal moment. If next-generation donors are supported with the right advice, peer networks, and infrastructure, they have the potential to significantly expand the scale, ambition, and effectiveness of giving. If not, there is a risk that philanthropic potential remains fragmented or unrealised.

As wealth continues to grow and transfer, how Ireland engages, educates, and partners with its next generation of donors will be central to shaping a confident, impactful philanthropic ecosystem.  

2. Collaboration, Pooling and Multi-Stakeholder Grantmaking  

The strongest signal from Philanthropy Ireland members is a growing appetite for collaboration. At our end-of-year event, members ranked pooled funding and multi-stakeholder grantmaking as the most significant trend for 2026. Ireland’s philanthropic ecosystem is relatively small, but that can be a strength. Collaboration allows funders to reduce duplication, share risk, and support work at a scale that would be difficult to achieve alone. The Philanthropy Symposium 2025 highlighted that nearly half (46%) of Philanthropy Ireland members are already working in partnership with other funders, community organisations, or government bodies, with strong interest in scaling this further. 

Place-based philanthropy offers a powerful example. In 2025 we saw the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaelteacht launch the Pilot Place-Based Philanthropy Projects, with great interest from both sides of the funding landscape. Initiatives such as the Munster Fund, Waterford Fund, Mayo Sustainability Fund, and recent members to Philanthropy Ireland, Changing Lives Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, demonstrate how philanthropy, government, and local communities can come together to support whole places, not just individual projects. As these models mature, we expect collaboration to become more purposeful, better resourced, and more deeply embedded in philanthropic practice. 

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3. Digital, Data and Technology 

No trends report would be complete without examining the impact of emerging technologies. Digital technology is increasingly reshaping how philanthropy in Ireland is delivered, governed, and understood. The growing use of digital tools for giving, stewardship, collaboration, and impact tracking was ranked by Philanthropy Ireland members as the second most important trend for 2026, reflecting a sector that recognises the need for more efficient, transparent, and connected ways of working. 

We are seeing early signs of what might be described as digital philanthropy. Across the sector, funders are making greater use of CRMs, digital membership platforms (have you registered on our Members Portal yet!?), and online grant management systems to support relationships and decision-making. At the same time, emerging conversations around artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrency point to the longer-term potential of technology to transform philanthropy. The acceptance of a cryptocurrency donation by Trinity Business School in November 2025 offers a tangible example of how new technologies may open alternative pathways for giving, while internationally, digital tools are increasingly being used to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in philanthropy. 

However, research and discussions at the Philanthropy Ireland Symposium underline an important truth: technology alone is not the solution. Digital transformation requires cultural readiness, shared governance, and sustained investment in people and processes, not just the adoption of new platforms. Without buy-in from those using the technology, digital tools risk becoming a distraction rather than an enabler of meaningful impact. 

This is particularly evident in the growing focus on data and evidence. One of the most significant developments in 2025 was Philanthropy Ireland’s investment in building a robust dataset of philanthropic activity through our Philanthropy Map showcased at the Symposium in October. This mirrors international best practice, such as the UK’s 360Giving initiative, and reflects a growing recognition that transparent data is core infrastructure for a healthy philanthropy ecosystem. Philanthropy Ireland’s Impact Map shows that members distributed €919 million across more than 5,500 grants and projects, essential data we desperately need to showcase the evolving philanthropy landscape in Ireland. At the same time, it highlighted real challenges, including inconsistent data collection, time constraints, and concerns about placing additional burdens on grantees. 

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Looking ahead to 2026, the need for data will only become more acute so we must work together, funders and impact partners, to creating an environment where data collection works for everyone. We expect stronger norms around sharing baseline data, such as funding themes and geographic focus, to support learning, co-funding, and more strategic deployment of resources. When developed collaboratively and used well, digital tools and data can unlock insight, reduce duplication, strengthen advocacy, and help the sector ask better questions about where philanthropy can add the most value. 

“When developed collaboratively and used well, digital tools and data can unlock insight, reduce duplication, strengthen advocacy, and help the sector ask better questions about where philanthropy can add the most value.”

4. Navigating Regulation, Public Funding Shifts and Economic Volatility 

A more complex regulatory environment and shifts in public funding were ranked among the top trends for 2026. Changes to charity law, evolving governance requirements, and economic uncertainty are shaping both funder and grantee behaviour, as explored in recent Philanthropy Ireland magazine features. At the same time, the ongoing engagement and delivery of the National Philanthropy Policy provides a positive policy tailwind, signalling government recognition of philanthropy as a partner in addressing social challenges with the philanthropy community. Deepening understanding across government of pathways to engagement to maximise value and impact, is vital. Symposium discussions emphasised that policy and regulation do not create philanthropy, but they can be one of the most powerful enablers and accelerators when partnerships are designed with purpose and understanding of different perspectives. It is equally important that the regulatory environment does not counter the ambition of the National Philanthropy Policy, recognising the critical importance of regulation but ensuring it does not inadvertently impact policy objectives. Delivery on objectives is inextricably linked to the need for acceleration in collaboration and advancement of datasets.  

Read recent article by Partner Mason, Hayes and Curran

Changes to Charity Law: What Philanthropic Organisations Should Know

5. Professional Advisers as Catalysts for Philanthropic Growth 

One of the most significant and under-recognised trends shaping Irish philanthropy in 2026 is the growing interest and influence of professional advisers, including legal, financial, tax, and wealth advisers, in philanthropic decision-making. While philanthropy has not traditionally been considered a core element of financial planning in Ireland, evidence suggests this is beginning to shift, driven by client demand, intergenerational wealth transfer, and an evolving policy environment. 

Research consistently shows that advisers play a pivotal role in unlocking philanthropic capital. Many clients want to explore questions of purpose, values, and legacy, yet philanthropy is still rarely raised proactively in advisory conversations. Where it is introduced, the impact can be substantial. Studies indicate that a simple prompt during a financial planning session can increase charitable giving by up to 40%, highlighting the power of adviser-led conversations to translate intention into meaningful action. 

This trend is particularly relevant in the Irish context. As intergenerational wealth transfer accelerates, conversations around inheritance, estate planning, and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) are becoming more frequent. These moments often act as natural entry points for discussions about philanthropy. For many individuals and families, decisions about wealth transfer are increasingly intertwined with questions about social responsibility and long-term impact. From the adviser perspective, philanthropy also represents a strategic opportunity. Integrating philanthropic planning into advisory practice can deepen client relationships, strengthen trust, and support engagement with next-generation family members who may prioritise values-aligned decision-making over traditional wealth preservation. In an increasingly competitive and commoditised advisory market, philanthropy is emerging as a meaningful differentiator. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect to see greater collaboration between professional advisers and philanthropy infrastructure organisations, increased demand for training and resources, and a gradual normalisation of philanthropy as part of holistic financial and wealth planning. If supported well, advisers have the potential to become powerful catalysts, helping embed a culture of intentional giving and ensuring that growing private wealth in Ireland is mobilised for lasting public good 

Looking Ahead with Confidence and Purpose 

Despite the complexity of the economic, political, and social environment in which philanthropy now operates, the message emerging from the Irish philanthropy community is not one of hesitation, but of confidence and momentum. The foundations for a more ambitious philanthropic ecosystem are firmly in place. Irish philanthropy in 2026 is set to be more collaborative, more strategic, more data-informed, and more self-aware of the unique value it brings alongside public and community action. 

“The message emerging from the Irish philanthropy community is not one of hesitation, but of confidence and momentum.”

What is particularly encouraging is the sector’s growing maturity. Philanthropy in Ireland is moving beyond isolated acts of generosity toward a more connected system, one that values long-term relationships, shared learning, and purposeful collaboration. Increased openness to pooled funding, place-based approaches, digital infrastructure, and professional advice signals a sector willing to invest not only in outcomes, but in the conditions that make impact possible. At the same time, the rise of next-generation donors and growing engagement from advisers offer a powerful opportunity to embed philanthropy more deeply into how wealth is understood, stewarded, and mobilised. 

There is still work to be done. Capacity constraints, regulatory complexity, economic volatility, and uneven readiness across the charitable landscape remain real challenges. Yet these challenges are increasingly being met with curiosity rather than caution, and with collective action rather than isolated response. The growing emphasis on data, transparency, and shared evidence reflects a sector that wants to learn, improve, and advocate more effectively. This will not only improve philanthropy infrastructure but the communities it seeks to serve. 

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References 

• Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management. (2025). The Modern Philanthropist (report). Barclays.  

• Central Bank of Ireland. (2025). Quarterly Household Wealth Report – Q1 2025 (PDF). Central Bank of Ireland.   

• Central Statistics Office. (2022). Intergenerational Transfer of Wealth 2020 – Key Findings (webpage). CSO.   

• Community Foundation Ireland. (2023) Legacies for Good. Dublin: Community Foundation Ireland.  

• Mikaelian, V. (2025, 28 June). Why Advisors Are About to Lose Their Best Clients (article). Philanthropy.org.  

• Pro Bono Economics. (2024). Mission Give: The potential of better philanthropy advice (report). Pro Bono Economics. 

• Philanthropy Ireland. (2025). Philanthropy Ireland Magazine: Issue Three (Autumn 2025) (PDF). Philanthropy Ireland. 

• Philanthropy Ireland. (2025). Philanthropy Symposium 2025 Report: Unlocking the Power of Giving (PDF). Philanthropy Ireland.