What we can learn from the recent foundation funding boom for the Irish non-profit sector?

Abstract

In Ireland, a 10-year surge in foundation philanthropy is coming to an end. This article examines the role of this philanthropy and in particular its focus on organisations involved in social justice advocacy and supporting social change. The foundations’ focus has shown that it is possible for private giving to enhance the Irish democratic welfare state. With the Irish non-profit sector playing a large role in delivering social services, there is a risk that government encouragement for more private giving while it is imposing swingeing public service cuts could lead to an American liberal model of philanthropy. This approach seeks private charity to facilitate a shrinking of the state’s role. The recent Irish experience demonstrates that, in supporting social justice organisations, foundations can complement rather than substitute for the role of the state.