Philanthropy Ireland Members Nominated for the Charities Institute Ireland (CII) Charity Excellence Awards

The Charities Institute Ireland (CII) Charity Excellence Awards are an annual celebration of excellence within Ireland’s not-for-profit sector. Organised by Charities Institute Ireland, the awards recognise and honour the outstanding work carried out by charities, their staff, volunteers, trustees, and corporate partners across the country. They shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation, transparency, and impact within the sector—highlighting organisations and individuals who go above and beyond in their work to serve communities. 

Each year, charities from across Ireland are invited to submit entries in a range of categories, including Fundraising Campaign of the Year, Fundraising Team of the Year, Excellence in Charity Leadership, Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year, Employer Excellence, Communications Campaign, and Finance Team of the Year, among others. The awards are judged by an independent panel of sector experts and culminate in a gala ceremony—in 2025, this will take place on 2 October in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House. One of the most popular elements is the People’s Choice Award, where the public can vote for their favourite shortlisted charity, giving communities a direct voice in recognising the impact these organisations have. 

Among this year’s shortlisted organisations are a number of groups connected to Philanthropy Ireland, the national network for philanthropic organisations and grantmakers in Ireland. One confirmed example is Rethink Ireland, a Philanthropy Ireland member, which has been shortlisted for Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year. Rethink Ireland supports social innovations addressing critical issues across Irish society, and their nomination reflects the significant impact of their work. 

Philanthropy Ireland members are also well represented in other categories. The Best Corporate Charity Partnership of the Year 2025 category includes several collaborations involving member organisations, such as Applegreen and Barretstown, Bank of Ireland and Business to Arts, Irish Youth Foundation and VHI, and Vision Ireland and Vodafone Ireland Foundation. Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Award shortlist features a strong presence of Philanthropy Ireland members, including Business to Arts, Rethink Ireland, Irish Youth Foundation, and UCD Foundation. Notably, UCD Foundation has also been nominated in the Emerging Leader 2025 category. 

These nominations highlight the close connection between the philanthropic and charitable sectors in Ireland. Many of the organisations celebrated through the CII Charity Excellence Awards are supported by, or aligned with, the mission of Philanthropy Ireland members—reflecting a shared commitment to driving positive social change.