Business and community leaders unite to shape the future of philanthropy in Northern Ireland

20 May 2026

Leaders from philanthropy, civic society and community organisations are coming together to spark a vital conversation about the future of giving in Northern Ireland.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland hosted the “Time To Act” event to build consensus on strategic philanthropic investment at a time when funding is shrinking across the UK, while local communities are facing increasing demands and rising costs to deliver vital services.

Time to Act: Capitalising on the potential of philanthropic giving for NI was held at St Comgall’s – Ionad Eileen Howell (20th May)

The event was organised by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and supported by Belfast City Council.

Speaking ahead of the event Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said:

“Communities in Northern Ireland are facing some of their most complex challenges, from poverty and mental ill health, to rural disadvantage and a decline in youth services. Funding gaps post-Brexit, and rising costs, have only intensified these pressures.

“This event will bring together key leaders from across philanthropy, the business community, civic society and community organisations to explore how targeted, impactful giving can make a real difference. By involving and engaging with a wide range of voices, we believe we can align priorities, attract investment, and deliver lasting change.

“Across the UK and Ireland, funders are already collaborating to maximise their impact. Northern Ireland must act now to seize those opportunities, or risk being left behind.”

Belfast’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty said:

“This event is timely given the significant economic and social challenges faced by many communities living in Belfast and in the wider region. As a council we recognise the benefit of working in partnership to use the resources and investment coming into the city in a way which maximises the social impact for communities.

“Philanthropy, collaborative investment and strategic giving can all play a part in this combined effort to strengthen our local services, support innovation and help our communities thrive, in line with the city’s priorities laid out in the Belfast Agenda.”

Rory Brooks CBE, Philanthropist and Board member of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, said:

“As a philanthropist, I am delighted to support this conversation about how Northern Ireland can achieve more by revitalising the act of giving for social good.

“That requires engagement from donors, business leaders, government and communities in a conversation that identifies clearly what the priority needs are, and how they can be met. Our society relies on a thriving voluntary and community sector, and the many small and medium charities providing critical support to people in greatest need. We must all play our part to ensure that work can be sustained in the future.”

Éilis Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Philanthropy Ireland, added:

“Given our role in developing Ireland’s first national philanthropy framework, we know how important this conversation is for Northern Ireland today. There is no single way to ‘do’ philanthropy.

That’s why this conversation is so important, because it is only by talking, listening and building a shared way forward together that we can all maximise our impact.

“There is a wealth of knowledge, need and generosity out there, and the most important thing is to bring that together and identify practical ways in which government can work with civil society and communities to improve outcomes for all.”