Community Foundation Ireland reports €24m in grants as poverty and climate dominate priorities.
Community Foundation Ireland has reported a sharp rise in philanthropic giving as households and communities grapple with the cost-of-living crisis.
The organisation distributed €24.17 million through 1,714 grants over the past year, with a quarter of funds directed towards poverty, homelessness and community development.
“Our connectivity to 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable organisations provides the insight to allow impactful grant-making”
Community Foundation Ireland works with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners across Ireland.
Partnership model
Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said the figures reflect growing demand for support and a strong response from donors.
“Partnership is central to everything we do as a philanthropic foundation,” she said. “Our connectivity to 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable organisations provides the insight to allow impactful grant-making.”
Research commissioned by the Foundation during the year highlighted the scale of the challenge, with studies by the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Children’s Rights Alliance showing 250,000 children living in poverty.
Charlton said this evidence is shaping policy discussions, including proposals for universal hot school meals, holiday hunger pilots and enhanced supports for disadvantaged schools.
Education and training accounted for 19% of grants, while climate and nature initiatives received 15%. Charlton noted that environmental funding is attracting increased donor interest, a trend she expects to continue.
“The level of grant-making here not only underlines the prioritisation placed on responding to the emergency but also increased donor interest,” she said.
The Foundation aligns its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with €6.2 million directed to health and well-being, €4 million to education and €5 million to reducing inequalities. Corporate giving remains resilient despite global uncertainties, according to research published earlier in the year.
Since its establishment in 2000, Community Foundation Ireland has distributed €170 million in grants, more than 60% of which has been allocated in the past five years.
Charlton said the focus for the year ahead will be on “responding to the needs of people, place and planet,” ensuring grants remain impactful while meeting the vision of donors and philanthropists.
Business lessons:
- Data-Driven Decision Making is Critical
Community Foundation Ireland uses research from ESRI and the Children’s Rights Alliance to guide funding priorities. Businesses can learn that aligning strategy with credible data ensures resources are deployed where impact is greatest.
- Partnerships Drive Scale and Impact
The Foundation’s connectivity to 5,000 organisations enables broad reach and insight. For businesses, building strong partnerships – whether with suppliers, NGOs, or industry peers – can amplify outcomes and create shared value.
- Align with Global Standards for Credibility
By mapping grants to UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Foundation demonstrates transparency and accountability. Companies can strengthen trust and brand reputation by aligning operations with recognised frameworks like SDGs or ESG benchmarks.
- Respond to Emerging Trends Quickly
The surge in climate-related grants reflects donor interest and urgency. Businesses should monitor societal and market trends closely and pivot strategies to meet evolving customer and stakeholder expectations.
- Corporate Responsibility is a Growth Opportunity
Corporate giving remains resilient despite global uncertainties. This signals that businesses investing in social impact can enhance brand loyalty, attract talent, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
Top image: Community Foundation Ireland director of Impact, Grants and Donor Care Moninne Griffith with Foundation chief executive, Denise Charlton
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