THE IRELAND FUNDS ENCOURAGE GROWTH OF
PHILANTHROPY IN IRELAND

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Thursday, 4th December 2003 - The Ireland Funds today hosted a seminar on "Major Gift Fundraising", at which guest speaker Dr. Scott Nichols of Harvard Law School stated that the charity sector has the potential to take-off in line with the tremendous growth in wealth in Ireland over the past decade.

The seminar, which was attended by over 250 representatives and Board members from charities across Ireland - North and South, focused on deepening the not-for-profit sector's capacity to attract large gifts from private philanthropists.

Dr. Scott Nichols, Dean of Development and Alumni Affairs for Harvard Law School, led the discussion on the development of the sector in Ireland according to best practice business models. Dr. Nichols is considered a doyen of fundraising in the United States and co-ordinated Harvard's $150 million capital campaign, which exceeded its goal by $33 million. He said "The not-for-profit sector in Ireland is less than a generation behind the US. Last year alone $240 billion was made in donations to a variety of causes in the States. On this side of the water, philanthropy is rapidly growing in Europe. In Ireland with nearly 15,000 millionaires, coupled with your tradition for generosity and solidarity, the potential for similar growth is enormous."

Kingsley Aikins, President and Chief Executive Officer of The World-wide Ireland Funds, also stressed the need to promote professionalism in Irish fundraising. He addressed a range of issues, including the requirement to develop long term relationships between doners and charities. He stressed the benefits of nurturing what he described as 'doner driven organisations', emphasising one-to-one marketing. He also demonstrated how critical the participation of Board members is to any campaign. Aikens said, "Increasing pressures on the not-for-profit sector in a strained financial climate means that charities must enhance their arsenal and develop a stream-lined business approach to maximise their fund-raising."

This seminar, which is part of a series hosted by The Ireland Funds, is a response to demand from charities here and doners abroad who are concerned to see the Irish not-for-profit sector maximise its potential. It drew on lessons learned by the Funds during their hugely successful Hope & History Campaign which raised $100 million in just five years.

For further information contact:

Caitriona Fottrell, 01 662 7878

The Ireland Funds operate in 11 countries, raising monies for good causes across Ireland, North and South. To date, The Funds have raised over €100 million and are on target to raise a further $100 million by the end of this year in their "Hope and History" campaign. Over 1,200 non-profit organisations in Ireland that promote peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development have benefited from The Fund's grants over the last 27 years.

Dr. Scott Nichols is Dean of Development and Alumni Affairs for Harvard Law School and co-ordinated its $150 million capital campaign which exceeded its goal by $33 million. He holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a frequent lecturer on development and currently teaches an annual course on the Principles and Practices of Fundraising at Harvard University Extension School. Scott is consulting with the Ireland Funds on its $100 million Hope and History Campaign.

Kingsley Aikins is President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds. He was Executive Director of The American Ireland Fund from 1993 - 2000. Prior to this Kingsley was the founding Director of both The Australian Ireland Fund and The Ireland Fund of New Zealand. He formerly worked for CTT and IDA. Kingsley is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin

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