Irish Philanthropists Defy Economic Strain with Unprecedented Giving—Here’s What’s Driving Their Bold Shift Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

Ever wonder if generosity could outlast a global pandemic? Turns out, in Ireland, it’s doing more than just holding steady—it’s breaking records. The latest from Community Foundation Ireland shows a staggering €23.5 million funneled in 2024 alone, aimed squarely at tackling everything from the cost-of-living crunch to the looming climate emergency, and crucial battles against gender-based violence. Imagine, over a thousand grants—and €3.5 million more than the year before—powering frontline services, pioneering social research, and sparking environmental revolutions in 250 communities. It’s not just charity; it’s strategic, it’s bold, and frankly, it’s a masterclass in how philanthropy can move mountains when done right. As someone who’s witnessed the digital tides shift and businesses rise and fall, there’s something pure about how these efforts stitch together communities and causes into a resilient fabric for the next 25 years. Curious how it all adds up and what Irish donors are cooking up next? LEARN MORE

Irish philanthropists are maintaining record levels of generosity first seen during the pandemic, with more than €23.5m distributed in 2024 to address urgent social and environmental challenges, according to the latest annual report from Community Foundation Ireland.

The Foundation’s 2024 report reveals that 1,119 grants were made last year — €3.5m more than in 2023 — with support directed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis, climate and biodiversity protection, and ending gender-based violence.

Since its establishment in 2000, the Foundation has distributed over €150m in grants, working under its mission of “Equality For All in Thriving Communities.”

Philanthropists’ priorities over the past year have reflected some of Ireland’s most pressing issues.

Funding aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living crisis supported frontline services providing essentials such as food, heat and clothing.

The Foundation also backed pioneering research to keep child poverty high on the policy agenda.

Climate and nature initiatives were another major focus, with 250 communities receiving support to protect plants, wildlife and habitats, and to develop local circular economies.

Fifteen percent of all grants in 2024 were directed toward environmental projects, reinforcing the Foundation’s position as a leader in this space.

The report also highlights sustained work to combat gender-based violence.

Research with the National Women’s Council on the issue of “sex for rent” contributed to Government commitments to legislate against the practice.

Separately, studies by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) Institute drew public and political attention to the harms of violent pornography.

Publishing the report, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said: “Irish philanthropy has the ability to make strategic interventions and allowing pioneering projects which can transform lives.

“We see that throughout the latest annual report as once again our donors, supporters and philanthropists stepped up to take on the challenges facing families, communities, our country and our planet.

“As a Community Foundation working and partnering with voluntary, community and charitable groups across the country we have a bank of knowledge and expertise which can guide strategic giving and often fund work which otherwise would not happen.

“We see that turned into action by the hundreds of communities now implementing local climate and nature plans. We see it in our anti-poverty partnerships with the ESRI and the Children’s Rights Alliance securing hot school meals for every child and other commitments. “We also see it in agenda setting pieces of research which spotlight new trends in sexual exploitation.

“As we pass our 25-year milestone we do so with an awareness that while we have had our successes together, we do also still live in a society where people are isolated, in poverty, in dangerous homes and all this against the backdrop of a climate crisis. We see efforts to take on those challenges as the agenda for our next 25-years.”