Charities Institute Ireland Summit: A Day of Insight and Inspiration

Thank you to all our members, speakers, stakeholders and corporate partners who joined us last week at the Cii Summit for a day of profound learning and meaningful conversations, highlighting why charities matter in Ireland.

In an era marked by an unrelenting pursuit of profit and the march of technology that threatens human connection and purpose, the question of whether charities matter answers itself when you consider their connecting role in our society. They are not just important; they are essential.

The day kicked off with an impactful keynote address by Prof. Margaret (Windham) Heffernan, who highlighted the challenges of forecasting in today’s climate of uncertainty. She emphasized the dangers of the relentless pursuit of efficiency, warning that cutting costs too deeply can hinder creativity and adaptability. This resonated with many attendees, especially those in the charity sector who strive to balance impact and return on investment with the need for growth and innovation.

Throughout the summit, a series of diverse topics were explored by our panelists, inspiring growth in philanthropy, developing a growth mindset, building trust in the age of misinformation, navigating digital disruption, and maximizing philanthropic impact through investment governance sustainability reporting. The final panel session on influencing the political agenda provided valuable insights for future advocacy efforts.

A key takeaway from the event was the importance of 'convening'—bringing diverse stakeholders together to foster new perspectives and ideas. Creating a culture where team members feel safe to contribute and engage in continuous improvement and experimentation was underscored as essential for unlocking creativity and addressing challenges.

Unlocking the power of Ireland's leading charities is our mission. Charities are crucial players in a fair, equal, and inclusive society. As we approach an election year, it is imperative that our sector has a seat at the table and is a partner in shaping the economic and social dialogue for our country's future. Charities matter for political stability. At a time of deep division, discord, and fiscal inequality, we foster and support social cohesion for a connected and stable society. While wealth is consolidating into the hands of fewer and fewer people, our economic equality depends on a thriving and valued not-for-profit sector to protect and provide access to services and resources for everyone who needs them.

The Summit was not only educational but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with our members, partners and stakeholders who are dedicated to ensuring that charities remain vital and impactful. It reinforced the sentiment that a world without charities would lack love and compassion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our event sponsor, Mercer, whose generous support made this event possible. Together, we are committed to ensuring that charities matter to everyone, every day.