Cii Munster Fundraising Network and Lunchtime Leadership Event - Cork

Our Munster Fundraisers Network met on Tuesday, June 21st in Cork and we were delighted to welcome a variety of fundraisers from the region and further afield to the Metropole Hotel in Cork for our first regional in-person meeting for over 2 years.

The group met to share experiences, provide support and offer advice to one another on their fundraising campaigns and goals, with speaker Alice de la Cour from the Irish Examiner giving good adivce on how to manage the media and using your networks to help promote campaigns.  

A special thanks to forum co-chairs Carla Ankiah and Claire Concannon for all their work in the lead up to the event and on the day. The Cii team greatly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with members new and old, with Cii CEO Aine Myler and Mark Hughes Director of Communications & Member Services speaking to attendees on Cii's plans to deliver more networking and training opportunities in the region, our upcoming Budget Submission and the submission on the Charities Bill to the Oireachtas Committee.

After the morning session, we welcomed Kathleen O'Meara, communications consultant, who gave a very interesting and inspiring talk on why it is vital for charities to tell their stories and engage with the media and policymakers.  In Kathleen's opinion, "if you're not at the table, you're on the menu"! Kathleen's vast experience working as a journalist, a politician and within the charity sector has honed her expertise and a rapt audience listened as she exhorted members to speak with the voice of the charity, not of their funders.  

Shane Dempsey, Director of Communications at the National Lottery also spoke at the event.  With a communications background in several sectors, he has a wealth of experience lobbying and advocating for policy and budgetary change.  Shane shared an update to attendees on the National Lottery (Amendments Bill) 2021 and presented some key information about how the Good Causes funding supports charities and communities around the country to deliver great projects.   Áine Myler, Cii CEO, encouraged members to contact their local politicians and encourage them to support the passing of the Bill, as it has the potential to increase Good Causes funding by €63m every year. 

We would like to thank Shane, Kathleen and all those who attended a really great event. 
Cii members can join the Munster Fundraisers Network and other online networks by clicking here.