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Press release

Minister Joe O’Brien announces public consultation on Ireland’s First National Philanthropy Policy

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, today (Tuesday, 23 May) announced the commencement of a Public Consultation on Ireland’s First National Philanthropy Policy.

The proposed National Philanthropy Policy is intended to deepen understanding and knowledge, create an enabling environment and accelerate engagement with philanthropy in Ireland for social good.

The policy is being developed by Government in collaboration with key stakeholders. Minister O’Brien made the announcement during his address at The Wheel’s Annual Summit 2023.

Speaking at The Wheel’s Annual Summit in Dublin today Minister O’Brien said:

“Government is very aware of the need to support and facilitate the generosity of the philanthropic community which contributes to a more just Ireland, and can have a positive effect on the lives of so many.

“A National Policy will provide a framework for Philanthropy, Government and Beneficiaries to work more collaboratively and effectively and put in place an environment for philanthropy to grow and thrive."

Non-profit organisations play an important role in Ireland’s social and economic life and receive part of their funding from philanthropic sources. The range of non-profit organisations which benefit from philanthropy is diverse, ranging from small community groups like sports clubs to large national organisations.

The aim of this policy is to set out clear objectives, and specific actions to enable philanthropy to grow and thrive in Ireland for social good. The philanthropy policy will also support knowledge and capacity development of the sector. It will also identify the supports required for it to thrive and maximise its potential.

The Minister said that his department is now widening the consultation process on the policy and encouraged interested parties to take the opportunity to have their say on a policy that aims to create an understanding of the philanthropy sector and underpin its importance to civic society.

More information on the National Philanthropy Policy Public Consultation is available on gov.ie.

Notes

One of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s key strategic goals is to ‘Enable the community, voluntary, charity, philanthropic and social economy sectors to contribute fully to civil society’.

In order to deliver on this goal, a key action has been to develop a National Philanthropy Policy, drawing on commissioned research and experience in other EU countries.

A National Advisory Group, representative of key stakeholder was also convened to advise on the development of the policy. The Group is chaired is by Minister of State Joe O'Brien and has met on five occasions.

Along with government departments the organisations on the National Advisory Group on the Development of a National Philanthropy Policy are:

Philanthropy Partnership Bodies:

  • Philanthropy Ireland
  • Rethink Ireland
  • Community Foundation Ireland
  • My Legacy
  • 2into3

Charity Sector:

  • The Wheel
  • Charities Regulator
  • Charities Institute Ireland

Corporate/Donors:

  • Vodafone Foundation
  • State Street Foundation

Corporate Philanthropy/Wealth Advisor:

  • KPMG

International Philanthropy:

  • Ireland Funds
  • WakeUp Capital

European:

  • European Foundation Centre

Academia:

  • Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent
  • University College Dublin

Public Sector:

  • The County and City Management Association
  • Donegal Local Development Company

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