Press Release October 23rd
The VitalSigns survey, conducted by The Community Foundation for Ireland, saw the importance of early childhood development replace access to healthcare as the key issue facing the country compared with its last citizens’ call conducted two years ago. The third most important issue was home life for older people. Overall, the biannual survey conducted during the Summer, with over 1,300 citizen respondents, gave Ireland a B- grade, the highest rating since it commenced sampling in 2013. VitalSigns informs donors and would-be benefactors and philanthropists on which social issues require intervention.
The 2019 survey focused on 12 key issue areas: arts and culture, learning, safety, strong communities, environment, getting around, children and young people, older people, inclusive society, work, equality and financial wellbeing, housing and health and wellbeing. The online survey asked respondents to grade Ireland’s performance and select 10 priorities out of a total of 115 options.
Along with the top three priorities, the other 10 places were occupied by: home life for children and young people; crimes against the person; air quality; mental health for children and young people; waste disposal; homelessness and quality of the education system.
Early childhood development has been in the top ten key priorities in the four surveys conducted since 2013 but this is the first occasion it has made number one. Previous issues in top place were the quality of the education system, public transport and access to healthcare.
Watch the full VitalSigns results video below:
The survey provides donors with a hit list of key issues that those at the cutting edge in communities and the voluntary and charity sector rate as key priorities. The Community Foundation for Ireland informs and links donors with projects which require funding that can help transform society. It currently manages a €43 million endowment fund, which they make grants from in their own right.
Tina Roche, Chief Executive, The Community Foundation for Ireland, said the citizens survey provided a community voice where donors could see where priorities in the coming two years should focus. She said: “We work with dedicated and strategic donors who continually strive to make a difference in Irish communities and VitalSigns provides us with a tool to educate and inform our donors on the issues that lie at the heart of Irish society to further inform their giving.”
“Over the next 20 years we want to really utilise VitalSigns as an essential tool to provide information on how donors and those interested in giving back can strengthen their philanthropy and create a real impact in our society. We must listen to the community groups who are working on the ground and provide insights into what the issues currently look like and what we need to do to fix them.”
“Philanthropy can be a catalyst for social change. Philanthropy can be bold, innovative and sometimes quirky, providing funding for organisations who want to test new solutions to social problems. At its best philanthropy has the power and potential to create a cultural shift and move us towards an Ireland where everyone feels like they belong.”
To download the full VitalSigns report click here