New National Policy
Discussions hosted by Government today (1st December 2021) on a new National Policy on Philanthropy represents an opportunity which could transform communities across the country, according to The Community Foundation for Ireland.
The Foundation, which is expected to issue almost €20 million in grants this year, says a cross Government approach is needed to ensure that Ireland catches up with countries around the world which have leveraged private giving to deliver real social change.
The Community Foundation and its donors work with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners across the country across a wide range of social justice, equality and climate issues. Its private donors have been a key supporter of community initiatives for 22-years.
It is making a number of proposals ahead of today’s meeting between Minister of State Joe O’Brien, senior officials and sector representatives.
Our Proposals
· The development of a meaningful National Policy on Philanthropy which will see every Government Department and Agency examining ‘match-funding’ arrangements which facilitate private and public monies working together for a common goal
· The establishment of pilot County Funds, as well as community and town funds, so that private donors with a local connection can work together with Government and Councils to deliver real social change through Placed Based Giving Initiatives
· Government to Commit €1 per citizen for next three years with matching funding from philanthropy to use the Community Foundation model to engage
and mobilise communities on climate action and biodiversity
· Increase the current 31% tax credit on charitable donations to address a €50 million shortfall which has arisen in recent years for the Voluntary, Community and Charitable Sector.
· Boost legacy giving by matching any charitable donations with a euro-for-euro cut in Capital Acquisitions Tax on Inheritances.
Speaking at the start of the discussions, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said:
“This is an opportunity not only for Ireland to catch up with a whole host of nations which recognise the impact philanthropy can deliver, but to set a new gold standard for others to follow.
Our donors through 100-funds which they have established have shown that philanthropy is a different form of giving. It can be used to take on complex issues and to deliver solutions, rather than constant firefighting. We believe that match funding where Government and private money works together can be used to leverage even more support to meet pressing social issues in local communities
The piloting of County or Town funds partnering private donors, businesses as well as local and national government under independent mechanisms can also be transformative in terms of keeping communities active, vibrant and sustainable. Such an approach lies at the heart of the community foundation model and the 1,800 such foundations worldwide.
The Community Foundation for Ireland enters into these discussions in a spirit of partnership and in the hope that we will finally join the long list of countries which recognise the value of philanthropy.”
ENDS