Hugely Significant 21st Year
Our donors and grantees have been responding to huge challenges during 2021. Standing side by side with communities we have supported people struggling to live with Covid-19 as well as continuing to meet long-standing equality, social justice and climate issues.
The need was great, but at The Community Foundation for Ireland as our 21st year draws to a close we are confirming another record one for donations and grant-making.
Our unique model has allowed us to use the network of our 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners to identify need and work with our donors to respond at a time of national emergency.
While figures are being finalised, it is clear total grants this year will top €18 Million bringing our grant-making over two-decades to over €86 Million.
None of this would be possible without the support of donors. This year they have provided over €18 Million in donations.
We are one of 1,800 community foundations worldwide - these figures show that successful model in action on the ground in communities across Ireland.
Philanthropy is different. It not only responds to immediate need but brings emerging issues to the fore and seeks out solutions. Being a philanthropic hub requires us to be a centre of knowledge. 2021 has been marked by ground-breaking research to identify, respond and solve emerging challenges.
We are heading into a key year when we will see the Government action a new National Policy on Philanthropy.
We are active participants in this process. Our Proposals for the National Policy are being discussed with policy makers.
In this report we set out our headline figures over the past 12-months. I hope you find it useful. If there is any aspect of our work which you would like to discuss please do not hesitate to contact us, info@foundation.ie
Thank You,
Denise Charlton,
Chief Executive
The Big Numbers
€18M+ in 2021 Grants
Once again we are marking a record year with grant-making set to exceed €18M plus. It is an extra-ordinary figure, up from €15M the previous year and a 2019 pre-pendemic total of €8M
800+ Grants
Every county has benefitted from our 2021 grant-making. We have 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups as partners
€24,000 Average Grant
Our support covers wide-range, from the smallest community groups, life-changing bursaries for individuals to impact national campaigns and support services. Our average grant amount doubled in 2021. Our largest grant was €1.5M
87 Funds - Will You be Next?
Not only did our donors give more in 2021, we saw a growth in funds. We close the year with 87 Donor Advised Funds, with ambitions to reach 100 in 2022. Be part of our story info@foundation.ie
Impact
Click to see the top 5 Issues our grants responded to in 2021
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Grant-making during 2021 was primarily focussed on supporting communities in their response to Covid-19. Our donors have been responding generously to ensure that lifeline services and supports are operating to assist people during the pandemic.
Much of this support was through our special Covid-19 Recovery Fund. You can see how this fund delivered for communities in the Impact Report on the Covid-19 Recovery Fund. The pandemic and its lockdowns saw a spike in Domestic, Gender Based and Sexual Violence. Our donors responded and the impacts was captured in an opinion piece by the Chief Executive on The Impact of The Women’s Fund.
2021 was also the year Brexit became reality. Our pilot All-Island Fund successfully supported 30 new cross border civil society partnerships. The Foundation gave an Oireachtas Committee Briefing on the All-Island Fund.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal allowed raised €6.6 Million to support vulnerable children and their families. The impact is detailed in the report Changing Children's Lives for Good.
Our grantmaking during 2021 was guided by three pillars: Empowering Generations, Accelerating Change and Inclusive Communities. Below we detail some headline grant-making under each pillar.
Headline Grants
Explore some of the work, supports and services we have made possible together during the past 12-months.
Inclusive Communities
Supporting our mission to ensure that no person or community is left behind, on the fringes, or isolated. Every community should be judged by how its most vulnerable are treated.
Poverty and Inequality, Research partnership with ESRI
Giving Voice to Young Travellers
Providing Domestic Violence Refuge where there was none
Empowering Generations
We work to empower, support and connect generations and to give voice to individuals and the most vulnerable. Our long term vision means we can invest across many years in helping individuals and families to reach their potential.
Protecting Our Children Online
Ensuring access to education through the Marian Finucane Bursary
Older People Cancelled in Pandemic (Research and Adocacy Support)
Accelerating Change
Working to tackle the root causes of social issues and building the capacity of our voluntary and community sector. Helping to progress to a fairer, more sustainable community, society and world.
Supporting Communities and Advocates on Climate Action
Forming Thirty New Cross Border Partnerships through our All-Island Fund
Bringing the Circular Economy to Communities
Empowering Citizen Scientists on Biodiversity
Donors
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. To each of you Thank You!
You have donated over €18 Million this year. We end the year with 87 Donor Advised Funds, You have allowed projects which otherwise would not happen to go ahead. Complex and sensitive issues such as restorative justice, Travellers rights, immigration reform, a national conversatioin on consent, awareness raising and support services arpund sexual violence, access to the arts, lifeline health and wellbeing supports, access to the arts and so much more are all happening directly because of your support.
Will you, your family, your company or charity be the next? Our Development Team are always ready to talk info@foundation.ie
Share the Impact
Your copy of the 2021 Impact Report is Available Here.
Thank You
As partners, whether donors or grantees, you have made a real and tangible difference during a period of huge challenge.
2022 will bring its own challenges, of that there is no doubt. As one of 1,800 community foundations world-wide we will continue to stand in solidarity and to support local areas.
As State funds come under pressure, our ability to provide independent philanthropic funding for innovation and resilience is critical for the community and voluntary sector and the communities they serve.
In the New Year, we are launching our thematic pillars which drive forward our vision for a fairer Ireland, seeking to bring about progressive social change and inspiring donors to join us on our journey.
The huge generosity we have just seen through our partnership with the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has been a reminder of what makes Ireland unique in terms of generosity and solidarity. It should be a huge source of hope and confidence for the future.
For now can we wish you a Happy Christmas.
Professional Adviors
You are key to our success. We are always ready to engage with Professional Advisors
Donor Advised Funds
What is a Donor Advised Fund? Find out here
Corporate Giving
Are Your Team looking for a way to make a difference? We work with local, national and international companies committed to support local communities