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| 2 Sep 2025 | |
| Charity Sector News |
We’re pleased to share the initial findings from Charities Institute Ireland’s first-ever Benchmark Fundraising & Data Survey, conducted in early 2025. This is a landmark moment for the sector, the largest data set of its kind in Ireland, with participation from 176 organisations representing €1.93 billion in total income and over 31,000 employees.
This new report gives us a clearer picture of the state of fundraising across the country and highlights both the opportunities and challenges we face as a sector.
Fundraising is driving impact
Fundraisers make up just 3.5% of total staff but are responsible for generating 23% of total income. In some sectors, particularly environmental and animal welfare, up to 82% of income is fundraised, underlining how critical fundraising is to sustainability and growth.
Skills and systems gaps are holding us back
While most respondents recognise the importance of data, 60% reported having only one or no staff dedicated to CRM or reporting. Many fundraisers are working without the digital tools, training, or support needed to analyse data, scale activity or innovate confidently.
AI and digital potential is high but underused
There’s strong interest in emerging technologies like AI, but adoption remains low, limited by time, training and concerns about ethics and data protection.
The sector is ambitious but needs support
Fundraisers are optimistic about growth, but making that sustainable will require investment in skills, infrastructure, and long-term capacity. We are calling on government, boards, and funders to recognise this need and support the sector accordingly, especially in line with Ireland’s Digital First strategy.
This report marks the beginning of a multi-year research effort to build a strong evidence base for the sector. With shared insight we can plan more effectively, benchmark performance and make a stronger case for investment.
Click here to read the full report.
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make this project possible, especially our research partners at NfP Research, project lead Jane Trenaman, and our dedicated Steering Committee. Most of all, thank you to the fundraisers who shared their time and data -your insights are already shaping the future of fundraising in Ireland.
