Strengthening the Foundations of Philanthropy: Philanthropy Ireland's Budget 2026 Submission

Philanthropy has long been a vital driver of positive social change in Ireland, empowering communities, addressing inequality, and supporting innovation. As Budget 2026 approaches, Philanthropy Ireland is calling on Government to advance key measures that will unlock greater giving and ensure the successful implementation of the National Philanthropy Policy 2024–2028.

Philanthropy Ireland’s submission highlights that with the right policy supports, Ireland can create an enabling environment where giving thrives, benefitting society as a whole. Philanthropy complements government action by funding high-impact projects, taking risks others cannot, and fostering long-term resilience across communities.

Our Key Asks

• Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) Relief - Provide relief where individuals donate €1m+ from gifts or inheritances to qualifying philanthropic organisations. This would ensure more inherited wealth can be directed to public benefit.

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Relief - Introduce relief for donations of €1m+ from large capital gains, enabling philanthropists to support ambitious, high-impact projects that may fall outside government funding.

• Investment in Data and Research - Support robust, publicly available data and research on philanthropy to inform better decision-making, build trust, and strengthen Ireland’s culture of giving.

Why This Matters

If realised, these measures would:

• Unlock significant private investment, with every €1 of tax relief generating €3 for the common good.

• Create space for strategic, long-term philanthropy to flourish, addressing areas government cannot reach alone.

• Strengthen trust and transparency in the sector through credible data and evidence.

• Help build a sustainable, resilient philanthropic ecosystem aligned with international best practice.

By supporting these asks, Government can ensure Ireland builds on its proud tradition of generosity and creates the conditions for philanthropy to reach its full potential as a catalyst for innovation and social good