Seminar stresses the importance of government and media in philanthropy promotion
Philanthropy Ireland has published the learnings of an all-Ireland event held in December 2017 dedicated to donors for reimagining ideas on how to make philanthropy work for social impact.
‘Philanthropy Version 2.0’ took place in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin with an invited audience of philanthropists and experts from Ireland and overseas, including members of the Guinness family and government officials.
The event was opened by Katherine Zappone T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, with a keynote address from Seán Kyne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development.
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It was recommended that government could support philanthropy in Ireland by:
- Further communicating the success of philanthropy partnerships and collaborations
- Normalising philanthropy within the Government
- Further participating in communication between Government and the philanthropy sector
- Further connecting with the philanthropy sector
The discussion stressed the importance of donors and causes working together to achieve common goals and aligning the needs of donors and fundraisers. This joined effort could have a substantial positive effect on philanthropy in Ireland.
The event also agreed that the media has a role to play in redirecting the narrative on philanthropy, and increasing the amount of coverage given to the impact of philanthropy on society.
Participants called for the meaning of the word ‘philanthropy’ to be re-embraced and promoted, moving away from the situation where it is solely applied to large financial gifts.
Philanthropy V2 was organised in partnership with Giving Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Affairs, and was supported by the Mott Foundation. The full report can be downloaded from Philanthropy Ireland’s website.
Source: www.philanthropy.ie

