Budget 2025 – A missed opportunity

Charities Institute Ireland (Cii) welcomes several positive initiatives announced in Budget 2025, particularly the increased funding to the Department of Rural & Community Development aimed at promoting social inclusion in both urban and rural areas. We also acknowledge the provision in the National Training Fund to support upskilling in the Community, Voluntary, and Social Enterprise sector, as well as the increase in the Small Benefit Exemptions Scheme, which may assist charities in retaining valued personnel within our under-resourced sector.

However, while these measures are steps in the right direction, Budget 2025 presents a missed opportunity to set out a clear, ambitious vision for our society, not just our economy. With the scale of resources available to the Government, we had anticipated more strategic and long-term objectives that could create a fair and just Ireland for all its people.

Missed Opportunities for Charities

While we welcome the change to the two-year establishment rule for charities to avail of the Charitable Donation Tax Relief scheme, we are disappointed by the lack of specific support for the National Philanthropy Policy. A successful philanthropy policy could be a game changer, driving significant investment and innovation within our communities and services. The proposed change to the Charitable Donation will have little impact on the growth of a strong Philanthropic culture in Ireland.

We are also disappointed that no vision for strategic investment in the long term sustainability of the sector was announced, specifically around sustainable funding models and Governance investment.

Charities’ Essential Contribution to the Economy

Charities make a profound and tangible contribution to Ireland’s economy. They support individuals in securing employment, create jobs themselves, and invest in local economies. Charities also provide vital opportunities for communities to connect, fostering relationships and building social capital that are essential for societal functioning and economic growth.

Cii will be continuing to engage with all political parties ahead of the upcoming General Election to push for early and sustained collaboration with our sector, so we can work together to build a society, economy, and country that works for everyone. We will also continue to work with our members to advocate for these issues and for what is important for the sector as a whole.