# Irish entrepreneurs give views on philanthropy

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/05/01/irish-entrepreneurs-give-views-on-philanthropy/
- Published: 2015-05-01T08:33:29+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

A new report on Irish entrepreneurs views of philanthropy show that most give in
some way to charity but not all give financially.

_Giving & Gaining: How Entrepreneurs View Philanthropy in Ireland_ was launched 
by The Community Foundation for Ireland. The study is based on independent research
supported by AIB Private Banking and undertaken by Sia Partners in 2014.

## “One in eight entrepreneurs do not give financially”

Over fifty entrepreneurs completing an online survey and 15 subsequent interviews
were carried out with entrepreneurs and key informants.

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Although 96% of respondents indicate that they give in some way (through financial
donations or by giving time and expertise), one in eight entrepreneurs do not give
financially.

Some respondents expressed themselves uncomfortable with the term ‘philanthropy’
as it appeared elitist and not aligning well with Irish culture. Nor do entrepreneurs
see philanthropy as a topic that comes up regularly amongst their peers, according
to the research.

The report also provides interesting insights into how entrepreneurs view the environment
for philanthropy with almost all of the interviewees identifying ways in which the
environment could be made more supportive in Ireland.

Factors such as changes in tax legislation, attitudes to successful people and the
lack of efficient and accountable interlocutors were identified as examples of the
shortcomings.

 [⌊Giving and Gaining - cover⌉](http://www.foundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Giving-and-Gaining-Report.pdf)

## Communication preferences

Entrepreneurs had a strong preference to be communicated with on philanthropy via
contact through peer and business networks, as well as through philanthropic intermediaries
such as the Community Foundation for Ireland.

The report makes a number of recommendations arising from direct suggestions by 
respondents in the areas of donor services, the non-profit sector and public policy.

Copies of the report can be downloaded from the [Community Foundation](http://www.foundation.ie)’
s website or at [philanthropy.ie](http://philanthropy.ie)’s website.

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