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Dublin, 6 August 2025 — Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, has announced the allocation of €944,585 in government funding to support nine pilot place-based philanthropy projects across Ireland. The initiative is a key action under the National Philanthropy Policy 2024–2028, which aims to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and unlock philanthropic potential to address pressing social challenges.
The selected projects will be co-funded by philanthropic partners contributing nearly €1 million, bringing the total investment to approximately €1.9 million. The funding is sourced from the Dormant Accounts Fund and administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
🤝 Strengthening Community Partnerships
The pilot programme promotes place-based giving, encouraging philanthropists to invest in their local communities. It seeks to build sustainable partnerships between community organisations, government bodies, and philanthropic funders to address social, economic, and environmental needs.
Minister Buttimer stated:
“This funding represents the Government’s commitment to growing philanthropy in Ireland and maximising its impact for the public good. Place-based giving is a major driver for philanthropists to give back to their local community.”
🧭 Objectives of the Pilot Programme
The initiative is designed to:
- Address identified local needs or challenges
- Promote collaboration between philanthropy and government (national and local)
- Test innovative co-funding models to inform future policy
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, added:
“These projects will demonstrate how partnerships between communities, philanthropists, and local government can be an effective tool in addressing local challenges.”
📌 Examples of Funded Projects
Among the nine successful projects are:
- JumpAGrade (Cork) – €90,000 to support senior cycle students in disadvantaged areas
- Citywise Fast Track Academy (Dublin) – €90,000 to improve access to third-level education
- The Common Knowledge Centre (Clare) – €100,000 for a sustainability and community empowerment programme
- Legal Change-Makers Programme (Limerick) – €53,584 to provide free legal clinics in disadvantaged communities
📘 National Philanthropy Policy Overview
Launched in December 2023, the National Philanthropy Policy 2024–2028 sets out five strategic objectives:
- Communication and awareness
- Data and research
- Stimulating and incentivising philanthropy
- Government and sectoral partnership
- Capacity building
The policy outlines 21 actions to be implemented over five years, with progress monitored by the Implementation and Monitoring Group (IMG) and five dedicated sub-groups. The first annual update, published in March 2025, reported significant progress across all objectives.
Minister Buttimer concluded:
“Philanthropy has the potential to complement and enhance government investment. I thank all philanthropic donors for their commitment to our communities.”
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