Promoting Philanthropy in Ireland >

PROMOTING PHILANTHROPY IN IRELAND 2005

TUESDAY 26 t h APRIL 2005
O’REILLY HALL, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
A seminar for the not for profit sector
organised and hosted by The Ireland Funds

THE CONTEXT

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Ireland has changed dramatically in the past ten years. The economy has grown at an unprecedented rate and much of this growth has been accompanied by lowering tax rates. However, parallel with this, levels of inequality and social exclusion have also deepened. There are, in effect, two Irelands — that of those who reap the benefits of the Tiger economy and those who are shut out from it. The solution is to create a connection between this new wealth and those needs. The key to this will be the development of philanthropy in this country. The Ireland Funds, inspired by the generosity of donors abroad, wish to be in the vanguard of these developments.

The Ireland Funds have been raising funds for projects in Ireland for over 30 years. In the last 10 years we have raised over $200 million, principally in the US, but also in 11 other countries. In the process we have learned a great deal about how to develop and encourage a Philanthropic infrastructure.

We believe that there is now a unique opportunity for Ireland to create the social capital which will enhance society for the coming generations and to develop a vibrant and innovative Philanthropic sector, building on Ireland’s very charitable instincts and long history of supporting worthy causes and volunteerism both at home and abroad.

The need to develop philanthropy in Ireland has never been more important. With pressure on traditional sources of finance and increased demand for the services of the sector, it is essential that not-for-profit organisations professionalize and tap into private wealth.

For the last 6 years The Ireland Funds have been holding seminars throughout Ireland to encourage the development of the sector. These have been aimed at non-profit leaders, board directors and others involved in the promotion of giving. In particular, they have focused on the current changes affecting the sector, the need to attract and develop effective board members, how to organise fundraising campaigns and how to ask for major gifts. The seminars have focused in particular the lessons learned from the recent 5 year Hope and History Campaign to raise $100 million.

The objective of the 2005 seminar was to help build capacity and sustainability in the sector and increase the strengths of the individual organisations which will, in turn, enable them to attract more philanthropic support.

• Developing, Involving and Motivating Board Members
• Building the Case for Support
• Research Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship
• Moves Management, Making the Ask
• The Role of the Transformational Gift

12.15pm Philanthropy – An Irish Perspective
Guest Speaker followed by Questions and Answers
1.00pm Lunch
2.00pm Breakout Sessions 1
3.00pm Coffee Break
3.15pm Breakout Sessions 2
4.15pm Cocktail Reception
5.00pm Seminar Closes

Breakout Sessions
Five afternoon breakout sessions will give delegates an opportunity to explore specific topics in more detail through informal discussion-based workshops.

These sessions have limited capacity.
However, delegates will be able to select two sessions each during the afternoon.

Sessions to cover:
1. FUNDERS
Liam O’Dwyer – Irish Youth Foundation / Philanthropy Ireland
Tina Roche – The Community Foundation
Gillian Wynne – The Ireland Funds
This session will consider the role and function of Foundations in Ireland and how to interact with them.
2. BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Kieran McLoughlin – The American Ireland Fund
Owen Keenan – Barnardos
This session will deal with the issue of recruiting, developing and motivating board members.
3. GETTING STARTED
Caitriona Fottrell – The Ireland Funds
Criona Cullen – Wexford Festival Foundation
This session will deal with the challenges of planning and implementing a major gift campaign.
4. MAKING THE ASK
Kingsley Aikins – The Worldwide Ireland Funds
Scott Nichols – Harvard Law School
This session will deal with how to prepare for that all important ask.
5. STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
David W. Duffy – Prospectus Strategy Consultants
Katie Burke – Prospectus Strategy Consultants
This session will assist in planning and developing an organisational strategy.

MORNING SPEAKERS
KINGSLEY AIKINS
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.

SCOTT NICHOLS
As chief advancement officer, Scott Nichols has served Harvard Law School for over 18 years. During his tenure, which consolidated all advancement functions, he has helped engineer two long range planning processes that have both led to successful campaigns. Scott currently spearheads Setting the Standard: The Harvard Law School Campaign attempting to raise $400 million, which has achieved half its goal during its first public year. He oversees a staff of 65 and plays a senior role in planning Harvard University's upcoming multibillion campaign. Scott has consulted with The Ireland Funds on their $100 million campaign.

More information on the speakers >
Promoting Philanthropy in Ireland >