Earlier this year after 20 years of spearheading The Community Foundation for Ireland, Tina Roche announced she would step down as Chief Executive. Through expert leadership and hard-work Tina led the organisation over the last 20 years and has been a champion for philanthropy in Ireland and abroad. The Community Foundation for Ireland is now one of the leading philanthropy organisations, having given out over €50 million in grants since it started in 2000. Since Tina established The Community Foundation for Ireland, along with sister company Business in the Community Ireland she has created lasting impact on a number of social issues in Ireland and moved the dial forward on corporate social responsibility and strategic philanthropy in Ireland. Within The Community Foundation for Ireland her work with philanthropists has impacted so many lives and created a lasting impact in the community and voluntary sector.
The Board of The Community Foundation for Ireland was inundated with applications to head up The Community Foundation for Ireland upon Tina’s announcement. We are now delighted to announce that Denise Charlton has been appointed the new Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland.
Denise currently acts as consultant and non-executive director for a number of philanthropic entities such as Unbound Philanthropy and the Tomar Trust, and other organizations in the non-profit sector. She has been the CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and also CEO of Women’s Aid. She has acted as spokesperson for various high profile issues and organisations such as LGBTI rights, gender equality, gender based violence, migrant and children’s rights. She also has done extensive fundraising and research activities for non-profit organizations.
On the announcement of her appointment Denise Charlton said:
“It is an honour to take up the leadership of a foundation which is committed through strategic donations to maximise support for people, often facing huge difficulties and challenges. It is a tribute to the vision of Tina Roche that over the past 20-years The Community Foundation for Ireland has been recognised as a leader in the field, not just in Ireland but internationally.
Our mission is for a country where everyone is equal and communities thrive. Amidst the ongoing Pandemic and through any period of recovery that mission is more important than ever.
The generosity of viewers during ‘RTE Does Comic Relief’ shows they support our goals and are willing to play their part. As we approach Budget 2021 we will engage with the new Government in an effort so that the positive impact of this generosity is maximised. Ensuring Ireland has an enabling environment for philanthropy by incentivising major gifts and legacies remains a policy priority.
I look forward to working with the team at The Community Foundation for Ireland and our partners right across the country in order to achieve that goal.”
Announcing the new appointment, Mike Gaffney, Chairperson of the Board of the Foundation added:
“The Community Foundation for Ireland is a positive force for good. It supports families, the vulnerable and entire communities. It has advanced the cause of equality. It has provided solidarity and support during periods of enormous social change, unprecedented economic success followed by a deep economic crash. That work is a tribute to our founder and out-going CEO, Tina Roche.
The Board of The Community Foundation for Ireland is delighted that Denise Charlton will now take up the baton. Denise has a strong background in social justice and has championed many equality causes in Ireland. We look forward to Denise leading The Community Foundation for Ireland as we work towards creating a fair and equal society for all.”
The mission of The Community Foundation for Ireland is to work towards an Ireland where everyone is equal and communities thrive. Denise’s wealth of experience in social change is an ideal match as our organisation continues to grow and more philanthropists come to the forefront to change the dial on social issues in Ireland.