Key Trends Shaping Irish Philanthropy in 2026: Mid Year Reflection

by: Shreyashee Roy

Earlier this year, we discussed some key trends and highlighted insights that emerged from our research and engagement with our member network. As we cross the halfway point of 2026, we reflect on some key developments across those trends. We revisit the same topics around wealth generation, grantmaking vehicles, technological innovations, policy decisions and actions, and professional advisers using a critical research lens to identify opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving philanthropic ecosystem in Ireland. As we plan and prepare for the second half of this year, we hope these updates shape some of our members’ perspectives and approaches moving forward. 

Wealth: Growth, Generational, Giving 

Irish household net wealth reached a record €1.38 trillion at the end of 2025,¹ and it is expected to double in the coming decades. Beating the odds of a fluctuating global market in early 2026, increased investments in housing and financial assets have led to positive economic growth. This spills into the upcoming generation of wealth management, which is being shaped by transfers and legacy incomes. A Blueprint for Growing Legacy Income in Ireland (2026) report highlights that an estimated €522 billion (in assets) is expected to be transferred between generations between 2026 and 2050.² With rising ageing and retiring populations, the gift and inheritance taxes are bound to compound, having already crossing €1 billion in 2025.³

Although the outlook for Irish household wealth is promising, the complex tax environment and global volatility complicate financial preservation and transfer. This is why strategic and long-term financial planning becomes necessary, and integrating philanthropy can help navigate some of the challenges smartly. The Legacy Income report recommends creating enabling infrastructures to incentivise the current and future generations of philanthropists. For example, the government can reduce the CAT rate to promote legacy gifting, and nonprofits could offer formal training to grow legacy income. While external environments matter, internal motivations of donors are equally important. The upcoming generation of wealth creators and holders have the potential to maximise the impact of their gifts, while structuring taxes, investment goals, and estate planning through purpose-driven approaches.

Grantmaking: Collaborative, Collective, Community-Led

There is a noticeable shift from top-down grantmaking to collaborative decision-making in the global philanthropic landscape, Dalberg reports. The new generation of philanthropists are moving towards community-centric models, which are not only broadening giving support but also incorporating values in the development process.⁴ This is pushing donors to rethink grantmaking decisions and relationships as they move away from the grantor-grantee binary to co-design and co-operationalise funds. At Philanthropy Ireland, we are conducting research on second generation philanthropists to explore emerging behaviours, and we aim to launch this evidence-led report in October at the Philanthropy Symposium 2026.  

Philanthropic collaboratives and collective funding are also on the rise. A joint study led by the Gates Foundation and The Bridgespan Group has identified over 300 collaborative funds globally, ranging between $4-7 billion annually, which have been deployed in the last decade.⁵ This type of collective endeavour offers great opportunity for donors and decision-makers who want to prioritise systemic change. It allows them to move beyond isolated efforts and focus on a more cohesive, community-informed, and aligned approach. This is a great opportunity for the next generation of donors to prioritise funding collaboratives that combine strong governance, efficient grantmaking, and shared infrastructure to simplify the funding experience for themselves as well as the grantees.

In Ireland, we have seen the desire for philanthropic collaboration through the efforts some of our member organisations such as Community Foundation Ireland, Rethink Ireland, and Giving Circle Ireland. Additionally, from our conversations at the Philanthropy Symposium 2025, we observed nearly half (46%) of our members working in partnership and collaboration. We are eager to see how this mindset and approach further develop in the coming years through our thoughtfully designed panels at the Philanthropy Symposium 2026. As we complete and celebrate a decade of the Symposium, we are eager to dive into the opportunities and challenges with funders, community organisations, and government bodies to unlock the full potential of collaborative philanthropy in Ireland. If you want to tune in, visit our website to register and save your spot!

3Ds: Digital, Data-driven, Dialled-in

Artificial Intelligence or AI has become a driving force for all things digital in the philanthropic universe across the globe. The One Family Foundation, for instance, recently developed a free AI tool for grant makers that simplifies the financial due diligence process,⁶ saving time and resources. Ireland, too, has been welcoming of AI. Evidence suggests a nation-wide adoption of AI, with its use more than doubling between 2023 and 2025 and matching the EU average of 20%.⁷ Although the widespread adoption figures seem encouraging, a study by University College Cork asks AI users to err on the side of caution. They highlight how AI adoption in philanthropy is shaped more by constraints and less by innovation.⁸ Without proper data governance, security safeguards, and interoperability, AI developments are unlikely to proceed beyond pilots. However, silver linings emerge as the Government published a new Digital and AI Strategy (February 2026) to promote literacy and safeguards. Our member Rethink Ireland also launched the ‘AI for Good’ fund of €1.75 million in partnership with Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to improve responsible AI usage.  AI is here to stay, and it is time for philanthropic ecosystem to rethink AI use not only to ease administrative burden but also shape their impact strategies and theories of change, while balancing ethical and accountable safeguards.

While dynamic digital disruptions constitute one side of the coin, data and evidence-led practices constitute the other. In a recent webinar organised by Philea on ‘Grantmaking Taxonomies’, leaders from the nonprofit world discussed the need for robust data structures that can be instrumental in making informed decisions. For example, an AI-powered data portal can enable a wider adoption of taxonomies (and its framework) across European philanthropy. Similarly, we believe in robust data structures that keep our members informed. The Impact Map is a testament to our ongoing commitment to data transparency and impact measurement. Keeping in line with best practices, the map tracks how our members distribute funding and resources. So far, over 5,500 grants have been distributed that are worth over 900 million, backing over 3,000 unique initiatives.

Public Value: Progress, Policy, Partnership

The ongoing development of the National Philanthropy Policy has gained new momentum. On May 14^th, 2026, Ireland observed its first-ever National Philanthropy Awareness Event. With over 300 representatives from Government, philanthropy, civil society and communities, the event explored how philanthropy can complement public systems and contribute to shared social, cultural and community outcomes. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, joined Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer discussed the need for structured, transparent and well-governed collaboration that can enhance philanthropic practices.⁹ 

Minister Buttimer also highlighted a Framework for Collaboration between Government, philanthropic institutions, and civil society, which reflects a shift from awareness to application. The next phase of progress on the Policy will depend on practical pathways for collaboration that are being created, better shared data, and a clear understanding across stakeholder and decision-makers of how partnership can support shared ambition, strengthen communities and accelerate learning. Philanthropy Ireland is proud to continue our partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to facilitate, encourage and grow philanthropic giving in Ireland.

Additionally, with Ireland holding the Presidency of the European Council from 1 July to 31 December 2026, we are eager to see how the National Philanthropy Policy evolves further and potential impacts it may have on the EU philanthropy landscape. 

Advisers: Decision, Direction, Development

High-net-worth individuals in Ireland have doubled in the past five years,¹⁰ which has further shaped how people manage their wealth. According to the Value of Advice (2025) report, the demand for wealth managers and professional advisers in Ireland has been gradually growing. 51% of respondents feel more confident about wealth management after seeking financial advice regarding investments, retirement planning, tax planning, and generational wealth transfer.¹¹ We expect this demand to rise as household net wealth grows, tax policies undergo revision in the 2027 Budget, and funding mechanisms evolve among other socio-economic changes. 

Despite the encouraging trends, there appears to be an ‘advice gap’ between advisers and their clients/donors. This relationship often leans towards ‘reactive’ than ‘proactive’, where the onus to discuss philanthropic giving often falls on clients. Professional advisers have the power to influence and strengthen philanthropic behaviours through strategic thinking and action-oriented discussions. At Philanthropy Ireland, we aim to explore this gap, while also identifying hidden opportunities to optimise professional advisers and client relationships towards philanthropic giving. In Q3 of 2026, we are launching new research by analysing current practices, engagement barriers, and expectations around wealth management in Ireland to help advisers (as well as clients) identify the most optimal ways of unlocking wealth for philanthropic impact.

Takeaways & Looking Ahead

Ireland continues to be at a critical juncture for philanthropic development and engagement. While some underlying challenges persist, there is immense benefit for the new generation of donors, foundations, nonprofits, policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders to lean into purposeful, structured, and impact-driven practices in philanthropy. Here are some key takeaways that can add value to perspectives and approaches going ahead:

• The next generation of wealth holders and creators have the power to integrate philanthropy into their financial planning and goals more purposefully.

• Philanthropic collaboratives and community-led models present significant opportunities for decision-makers seeking to drive long-term, systemic change.

• AI has the potential to transform philanthropy by informing impact strategies and theories of change but should maintain strong ethical and accountability safeguards.

• The next phase of progress on the National Philanthropy Policy will rely on practical pathways for collaboration, improved data sharing, and a shared understanding of priorities and outcomes.

• Professional advisers can play a pivotal role in strengthening philanthropic behaviours by encouraging strategic thinking and facilitating action-oriented conversations.

  
  

References

1. Bridgespan Group. (n.d.). Philanthropic collaborations database. https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/philanthropic-collaborations-database

2. Brokers Ireland. (2025). The value of advice report 2025: Developing financial confidence to achieve financial well-being. https://www.obiwealth.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Brokers-Ireland-Research-The-Value-of-Advice-2025.pdf

3. Campaign Solutions. (2026). Legacy report (June 2026). https://campaignsolutions.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Legacy-Report-June-2026-Final.pdf 

4. Central Bank of Ireland. (n.d.). Household wealth. https://www.centralbank.ie/statistics/data-and-analysis/household-wealth

5. Central Statistics Office. (2025). Business in Ireland 2025: Sustainability through innovation and technology – Digital sustainability and artificial intelligence adoption. https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-biistit/businessinireland2025-sustainabilitythroughinnovationandtechnology/digitalsustainabilityandartificialintelligenceadoption/

6. Dalberg. (2026). A new generation of giving: 5 philanthropic trends we are watching in 2026. https://dalberg.com/our-ideas/a-new-generation-of-giving-5-philanthropic-trends-we-are-watching-in-2026/

7. Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. (2026). Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister Jerry Buttimer host the first National Philanthropy Awareness Event. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/press-releases/t%C3%A1naiste-simon-harris-and-minister-jerry-buttimer-host-the-first-national-philanthropy-awareness-event/

8. Independent.ie. (2026). State takes in record €1bn inheritance tax as Taoiseach Micheál Martin pledges reform. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/state-takes-in-record-1bn-inheritance-tax-as-taoiseach-micheal-martin-pledges-reform/a/143854662.html

9. Jowell, H., & Ward, K. D. (2026). Decentering donors: Exploring the adoption of community-centric fundraising practices. Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.70057

10. J.P. Morgan Private Bank. (2025). Philanthropy is being transformed: New approaches to effective giving. https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/nam/en/insights/markets-and-investing/ideas-and-insights/philanthropy-is-being-transformed-new-approaches-to-effective-giving

11. Lyons, C. (2024). Philanthropy in Ireland: An exploration of giving, policy, and practice (Master's thesis, University College Cork). Cork Open Research Archive (CORA). https://cora.ucc.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/67022e4c-79d7-4a42-bac4-593d5c565fa3/content

12. Philanthropy Ireland. (2026). Key Trends Shaping Irish Philanthropy in 2026. Philanthropy Ireland. https://www.philanthropy.ie/post/key-trends-shaping-irish-philanthropy-in-2026 

13. RTÉ News. (2025, December 3). Ireland wealth study. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/1203/1546980-ireland-wealth-study/