# Community Foundation names Irish top philanthropist

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/03/11/community-foundation-names-irish-top-philanthropist/
- Published: 2019-03-11T19:01:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Feargal Quinn has been named The Community Foundation for Ireland’s (CFI) National
Philanthropist of the Year 2019.**

The businessman and former senator was honoured for his work over many years in 
assisting community groups, helping charitable causes and giving through his Quinn
Family Foundation.

Other winners at the awards, the 11th since its foundation, were the **Kerry Group**(
Corporate) and the **Katharine Howard Foundation** (Brian Wilson Award). The awards
recognise and celebrate leadership and generosity in the area of philanthropy.

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**Tina Roche**, Chief Executive of the [Community Foundation for Ireland](http://www.communityfoundation.ie),
said society should not underestimate the positive role philanthropists play in 
raising awareness of the value and impact of strategic giving.

“Our goal in establishing the awards was to acknowledge and celebrate those individuals,
organisations and corporate bodies who give back to community and society at large,
strategically and over the long term,” Ms Roche said.

“Feargal Quinn, the Kerry Group and the Katharine Howard Foundation have shown through
their positive impact at home and abroad how giving back enriches not alone those
who receive but also those who give,” she added.

## Feargal Quinn

Among the citations honouring Feargal Quinn, founder of supermarket chain Superquinn
and former Chairman of An Post, was one from the Family Support Network. Sadie Grace,
CEO, Family Support Network, said that the Quinn Family Foundation had been “forward
thinking and brave” in supporting families who had been impacted by substance misuse.

## Kerry Group

The Kerry Group award followed nominations from Concern Worldwide, Special Olympics(
Europe/Eurasia) and a UK and Indian charity, the Noon Memorial Trust. Dominic McSorley,
CEO Concern Worldwide, said that Kerry had donated €1.25m over five years to transform
lives in Zambia, and in 2018, committed a further €1m to support Concern’s work 
in Niger.

## Katharine Howard Foundation

The Katharine Howard Foundation (KHF), established in 1979, works closely with children
and families by supporting community projects and initiatives in disadvantaged locations.
Its recent strategic projects included grant aiding parents with young children 
in helping develop parenting skills.