The Community Foundation for Ireland has been a proud supporter of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) since 2004. IPRT is committed to reducing imprisonment, respecting the rights of everyone in the penal system, and progressive reform of the penal system based on evidence-led policies - and ensuring that a legacy of equality, justice and human rights exists in Ireland for generations to come.
The vision of IRPT expresses the fundamental objectives which underpin all of their work as well as their mission of a penal system that is just and humane, protects and promotes human rights, equality and social justice, and uses prison as a last resort. To achieve this Vision, IPRT commits itself to achieving a number of specific objectives. These objectives are set out in the Mission Statement of the organisation “IPRT's mission is to work towards a progressive reform of penal policy and practice to achieve a penal system in line with our vision”.
Progressive reform of the penal system in Ireland is an area that often goes underfunded in Ireland yet it is vital to change the system and it is important for philanthropy to step in to ensure that it continues to be supported and receive the attention it needs. IPRT relies on voluntary donations to support their work and The Community Foundation for Ireland has been able to fund the IRPT through both Donor Advised Funds and our own grant making strategy with over €200,000 through 11 strategic and impactful grants ranging in size, starting at €3,000 to the highest one of €186,000.
The most recent of these grants being a Donor-Advised and Impact Grant through which IPRT has been able to employ a Senior Research and Policy Projects Manager and produce the impactful annual Progress in the Penal System report 2017-2019. €150,000 was funded from a donor-advised contribution and €36,000 over 3 years a total of €62,000 from The Community Foundation for Ireland’s Impact grants.
A key task of the Senior Research & Policy Projects Officer is their flagship human rights project, Progress in the Penal System (PIPS), created by IPRT to address serious human rights violations in Irish prisons and the lack of robust accountability structures in the penal system in Ireland. In IPRT report on the value of the study and policy they state - People in prison are too often forgotten, with prison reform ranking low on the public and political agenda. The ability of a civil society NGO to highlight the issues, challenge public and political perceptions, and hold the watchdogs to account is essential. In just 2 years, the PIPS project has become “a ‘go to’ report for key target audiences, including: policymakers; practitioners; politicians; media; non-governmental organisations; academics and students. Importantly, it has created a small degree of hope for people in prison and their families”.
In an overview of their strategic priorities 2016-2021 and an update on progress of the grant in May the IPRT stated they are “very grateful to the Donor and to Community Foundation for Ireland for the flexibility that the Impact Multi-Annual Grant has provided us, enabling us to take strategic courses of action where we identify opportunities to bring about real change.”
The work of IRPT unpins our own vision one where we believe in an Ireland where everyone feels they belong, where people are equal and communities thrive, and where everyone has a voice. The Community Foundation for Ireland stands for a fair, caring and vibrant Ireland for now and the future. There is more to be done to achieve these goals and philanthropy has a crucial role to play.
In order to create a bigger impact The Community Foundation for Ireland often collaborates with Donor Advised Funds which is further amplified through multi-annual giving which gives charities the opportunity to better plan and look strategically at their work and how they can achieve their goals and mission.
A donor advised fund is a pathway to planned, engaged and strategic giving. We have extensive experience in advising and guiding donors on how to give strategically and efficiently and whether such a fund is suited to their needs. Our in-depth knowledge of the community sector allows us to provide insights into societal issues, ensuring our donors make an impact and create lasting change. To learn more about our Donor Advised Funds click here.