# Denis O’Brien gave €2.7 million last year

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/04/13/denis-obrien-gave-e2-7m-last-year/
- Published: 2015-04-13T11:04:24+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien’s philanthropy vehicle in Ireland, the Iris O’Brien
Foundation, made donations of €2.7 million in 2014, down from nearly €3 million 
the previous year.

The Foundation, which is named after Mr O’Brien’s mother, Iris, supports charitable
activity in Ireland and overseas. In 2014 domestic charities received nearly €1.6
million while overseas charities got just under €1 million.

The pattern of more support for local charities is also reflected in figures for
2013, although the charity accounts note that the directors are reviewing giving
in Ireland and overseas. In Ireland the Foundation is known to be a major backer
of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland with whom it shares a website.

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Mr O’Brien has supported projects in Haiti, particularly after the earthquake of
2010. He is Chairman of the Haiti Action Network, which coordinates the activities
of approximately 80 support organisations in Haiti.

Both Denis O’Brien’s father, Denis senior, and his mother, Iris, are directors of
the Foundation.

The [Iris O’Brien Foundation](http://www.%20socialentrepreneurs.ie/partners/the-iris-obrien-foundation)
has no paid staff and very modest expenditure of just under €5,000. Over €162,000
of Foundation funds were not distributed in 2014.

Mr O’Brien’s wealth is estimated at €4.6 billion by the Sunday Times and as well
as considerable worldwide interests in telecoms he is a major shareholder in Irish
media.