Philanthropy Fortnight 2022 set to celebrate generosity

9 Jun 2022

Every year the Community Foundation for NI continues to be amazed at the generosity of individuals, families and business in Northern Ireland. As one of the most charitable and generous regions in the UK, Northern Ireland is set to celebrate all the positive impacts that philanthropy makes during this year’s Philanthropy Fortnight, June 13th – 24th.

Over 75% of us make donations to charity every year. ‘Philanthropy Fortnight’, now in its eighth year, a partnership between The Community foundation NI, Belfast Charitable Society, Fermanagh Trust, Arts and Business, Chartered Institute of Fundraising NI and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, sharing their stories behind modern philanthropy in Northern Ireland.

During Philanthropy Fortnight we will share what motivates people and organisations to be generous, the wide range of causes supported by philanthropy and the tangible difference it makes to our community. We hope to inspire and encourage even more philanthropy, stimulate debate about the impact of philanthropy and highlight the joy of giving amongst young and old, individuals, families and businesses.

Commenting on the importance of Philanthropy, Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said:

“The Foundation’s mission is to inspire and promote giving by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we envision a society where everyone can prosper and live in peace; we encourage and support those who want to give and empower the local community to effect change.

Over the past 18 months through the pandemic, we have seen philanthropy have an enormous impact in communities across Northern Ireland. Its quick response meant vulnerable individuals received the support they needed, children received the tools they needed for home schooling, food parcels, essential befriending services etc.

“We know that philanthropy is a deeply personal choice based on individual passions, interests and experience. The Foundation makes it easy for individuals who want to give to connect with their goals, ensuring that their giving is both impactful and meaningful to them and the communities they support.”

Philanthropy is thousands of years old and today, in Northern Ireland it continues to provide new opportunities and transform lives.  In 2021 the Foundation awarded over £8 million, supporting 1 in 3 individuals in Northern Ireland.

Find out more about how your giving could transforms communities, click here. 

Pictured left to right – Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive at Belfast Charitable Society,  Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy, Community Foundation NI and Paul Montgomery, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising NI.