Finnish Fundraising Delegation Visits Charities Institute Ireland to Explore Fundraising Landscape

Today, a delegation of fundraising professionals from Finland visited the offices of Charities Institute Ireland (Cii) for an in-depth discussion on the fundraising landscape in Ireland. The meeting covered a broad range of topics crucial to understanding and enhancing the practice of fundraising in both countries.

Legislative Framework for Fundraising in Ireland

A significant portion of the discussion focused on how legislation in Ireland regulates fundraising activities. Ireland has a robust legal framework designed to ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising. The Charities Regulator oversees the sector, ensuring compliance with the Charities Act 2009. This legislation mandates that all charitable organizations register with the regulator and adhere to strict guidelines on financial reporting and governance. Fundraisers must also comply with the Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public, which aim to protect donors and maintain public trust in charities.

Incentives for Fundraising and Donating

The Finnish delegation was keen to learn about incentives for fundraising and donating in Ireland. Ireland offers several incentives to encourage charitable donations. One of the key incentives is the Charitable Donation Scheme, which allows donors to claim tax relief on donations exceeding €250 per year. Additionally, companies can benefit from tax deductions for charitable contributions, making corporate philanthropy an attractive option for businesses.

Financing of Non-Governmental Organisations

The financing of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Ireland is a dynamic and evolving landscape. Irish NGOs rely on a mix of funding sources, including public donations, government grants, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic foundations. Fundraising plays a critical role in their financial sustainability, often making up a significant portion of their income. The ability to diversify funding sources is crucial for NGOs to maintain stability and expand their programs.

Fundraising Practices and Trends in Ireland

The volume and nature of fundraising in Ireland were also discussed. In recent years, Ireland has seen substantial growth in both the amount of money raised and the methods used. Traditional methods like direct mail and face-to-face fundraising are still prevalent, but digital fundraising and social media campaigns are gaining traction. The focus is on creating engaging and transparent campaigns that resonate with donors.

Fundraising efforts in Ireland target both individuals and companies. Individual giving remains a cornerstone of fundraising strategies, with many organisations conducting regular appeals and campaigns aimed at attracting personal donations. Corporate fundraising, through business partnerships and sponsorships, is also significant, providing NGOs with vital resources and enhancing corporate social responsibility profiles.

Profile of the Typical Irish Donor

Understanding the profile of the typical Irish donor was a key point of interest for the Finnish delegation. Irish donors are generally motivated by a strong sense of community and a desire to support causes that have a direct impact on their lives or communities. They prefer to donate through convenient and secure methods, with many opting for online donations, direct debits, and participating in fundraising events. Transparency and accountability are crucial, with donors expecting clear communication about how their contributions are used.

Exchange of Ideas: The ReTurn Recycling Scheme

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Finnish delegation to share insights on the ReTurn recycling scheme in Finland, which benefits charities. The scheme involves a deposit return system for recyclable bottles and cans, with funds raised supporting various charitable causes. This innovative approach has proven successful in Finland and sparked interest among Irish counterparts as a potential model to explore.

Strengthening European Fundraising Collaboration

Charities Institute Ireland, as a member of the European Fundraising Association, values these international exchanges. Hosting colleagues from across Europe fosters a deeper understanding of different fundraising landscapes and encourages the sharing of best practices. Today's meeting with the Finnish delegation highlighted the mutual benefits of collaboration and the continuous learning opportunities within the European fundraising community.

Cii looks forward to future engagements with fundraising professionals from around the world, welcoming them to Dublin to share insights, strategies, and success stories in the ever-evolving field of charitable fundraising.