Actions and Progress

The full list of policy measures to be delivered is outlined at the link below. Measures for delivery outlined in this policy will be led by the policy sub-groups, with other stakeholders involved. Timescales for delivery of individual actions are also set out in the table.

Learn more, (PDF, from page 50-54)

The next step in the process was the establishment of the National Advisory Group on the Development of a Government Policy on Philanthropy in Ireland (The Group). The Group was chaired by Minister of State Joe O’Brien and members of The Group included representatives of a cross section of government, the broader philanthropy sector, relevant agencies, corporates, and academia, which included international representatives. The work of The Group was supported by sub-groups which were representative of the sector and whose appointment enabled more detailed analysis of emerging themes for consideration in the development of the policy.

Public Consultation

Once an initial policy draft was agreed by The Group, a wider public consultation process was initiated in May 2023 which received over sixty responses from a wide representation of society. The collective outputs from the sub-groups and the public consultation provided a varied range of insights for consideration by The Group, as reflected in the policy.

The Group identified five broad strands to form the framework of the Philanthropy Policy. Supporting objectives with associated actions are outlined under each of these strands in the main body of this document. Taken together these signal the vision and broad ambition of this policy:

Communications and Awareness Raising

To increase awareness of the value of philanthropic giving so that it is recognised, supported, and developed for the improvement and enhancement of peoples’ lives. A key action under this objective will be to:

• Initiate and support the development of a national communication strategy illustrating the positive impact of philanthropy and encouraging philanthropic giving.

Data and Research

To activate strategies for the creation, collection and utilisation of data and research to inform and guide decision-making in philanthropy, contributing to building an evidence base of needs. A key action under this objective will be to:

• Develop new mechanisms for collation of independent baseline data on philanthropic giving in Ireland.

Stimulating and Incentivising Philanthropy

To create an enabling environment and culture for Irish philanthropy to thrive and maximise its potential to benefit society.

A key action under this objective will be to:

• Identify and champion appropriate fiscal measures to facilitate the growth of philanthropy.

Government and Sectoral Partnership

To promote understanding and collaboration between philanthropy and government for innovative solutions addressing key social issues. A key action under this objective will be to:

• Activate measures to ensure cross government awareness, including local government, of the benefits and potential of philanthropy.

Capacity Building

To build and support capacity of philanthropy stakeholders to strengthen engagement and to maximise impact for civil society and the communities they serve. A key action under this objective will be to:

• Develop proposals to inform and support effective engagement of beneficiaries with philanthropy, and facilitate structures to more effectively link potential donors with potential beneficiaries; to build confidence, trust and understanding.

Implementation and Monitoring Group

To ensure the successful implementation of this policy, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG):

• Established an Implementation and Monitoring Group, chaired by (DRCDG) with representation from other government departments, public bodies and stakeholders of the philanthropy sector.
• Publish annual updates on the implementation of the policy.
• Publish the baseline and trend data emerging from the implementation of this policy.

This policy will run for a period of five years, from 2024 to 2028. A review of the policy, following consideration by the Implementation Group, will be undertaken after three years, which will facilitate an evaluation of progress with a view to updating it where necessary.

Implementation and Monitoring Group Membership

September 2026

The annual update of the National Philanthropy Policy details the progress delivered by each sub-group and is published in Q1.

• 2025
• 2024