American donors recognised for philanthropy in Ireland
Howard Lake | 21 November 2012 | News
Philanthropists Chuck Feeney, founder of Atlantic Philanthropies, and Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chair of the American Ireland Fund, have been presented with special awards by Irish President Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin.
The two Americans have made a significant philanthropic contribution in Ireland and are among the first recipients of the inaugural Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Irish Abroad. Philanthropy Ireland, the organisation charged with promoting philanthropy in Ireland, has welcomed the awards.
"Without people like Chuck Feeney and Loretta Brennan Glucksman such generous giving could not have happened. They provide a springboard of inspiration for others to follow,” said Seamus Mulconry, Executive Director of Philanthropy Ireland.
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Since the establishment of The Atlantic Philanthropies in 1982, Chuck Feeney has given over €1 billion to various Irish organisations, Mr Mulconry said. While education and Irish universities in particular were major beneficiaries, significant funding also went into projects on health and ageing, children and youth, he said.
As Chair of the American Ireland Fund, Loretta Brennan Glucksman spearheaded a major campaign to raise $100 million over five years. She was honoured for her philanthropy and “vital role” in the pursuit of peace in this country.
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The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Irish Abroad is intended to honour individuals who have provided distinguished service to Ireland and Irish communities abroad.
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.