Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1385. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures he is taking to support and promote philanthropy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my Department’s key strategic objectives is to support the growth and development of philanthropy.
Following on from the implementation and subsequent review of the 2012 Report from the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising, my Department continues to provide grant funding and supports to Philanthropy Ireland, Charities Institute Ireland and the Social Innovation Fund Ireland to support their work in the areas of philanthropy and social innovation.
These organisations were the initial drivers of Government’s vision to enhance the role and legitimacy of the contribution of philanthropy to Irish society and to underpin the sector with appropriate infrastructure, including regulation of the charities sector, ethical fundraising guidelines and efficient tax and legal frameworks to encourage philanthropic giving.
Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI), in particular, was set up to support the establishment and growth of social innovations. To date, SIFI have raised almost €8.5 m in philanthropic donations which has been matched with funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund. In May 2018, my Department entered into a new three year funding agreement with SIFI to continue this partnership funding model.
This financial support has enabled the creation of more than thirty funds which address social issues including Tech For Good, Community Resilience, Social Enterprise Development, Education, Health, and Mental Health.
My Department, since its establishment in July, 2017 has sought to strengthen this partnership of mutual supports and funding between Government and the philanthropic and private sector and is currently in discussions with relevant stakeholders with a view to developing a targeted and effective strategy for the further development of philanthropy in Ireland.
