Philanthropy Fortnight 2018 set to celebrate and encourage NI’s famed generosity!

This celebration of giving which is entering its sixth year, is being supported by a range of well known local charitable organisations and will explore, encourage and recognise the generous support given to Northern Ireland’s charitable causes and the massive difference this makes to our society.

Looking ahead to a packed programme of events, Siofra Healy Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “In Northern Ireland we are well known for our generosity and this is to be celebrated.  We regularly respond to appeal and requests for support from family and friends raising funds for causes that matter.

“As we raise awareness of giving in NI, Philanthropy Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate our history of giving, discuss the role of philanthropy and highlight the difference this can make”.

Siofra continued: “Whether you are a spontaneous donor, a professional advisor, a business giving to your community or a strategic philanthropist, there will be an event suitable for you, and our hope is that this year’s programme will help to stimulate debate on how charities and their supporters can meet the challenges they face and support each other with Talent, Time  and Treasure,” said Siofra.

Philanthropy Fortnight involves close collaboration between a range of partner organisations including the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Belfast Charitable Society, Arts & Business NI, Will to Give and the Fermanagh Trust.

Events are being organised across NI and include a talk by Jess Dornan Lynas, the founder of Afterbook who will speak about giving through wills.  There will also be an opportunity to visit Nexus and Newpin Family centre in Derry to understand the work they do supporting their local communities.

In addition, four local charities will have six minutes to tell their story about what they do, and appeal for support at a Charity Champions event in Belfast. Whilst the Fermanagh Trust and the Fisher Foundation will be celebrating local philanthropy and volunteers willing to help the disadvantaged throughout the world.

Kath Russell, Director of Development at the Hallé Concerts Society will also join us to share how the Manchester-based orchestra fundraises from its networks, whilst the Barbour Fund, will be recognising hundreds of years of philanthropic work in Belfast.

Highlights of Philanthropy Fortnight include: 

• Community Foundation events include Seeing is Believing which is an opportunity to understand the issues faced by our communities and the impact of your support and donations; Charity Champions in Action – a crowd funding event with four charities pitching for funds; and an event for Professional Advisors.

• Fermanagh Trust and the Fisher Foundation will be celebrating local philanthropy and volunteers willing to help the disadvantaged throughout the world. This will include presentation of bursary awards to the young people who will be carrying out voluntary work overseas.

• Arts & Business NI will hold a special event about fundraising from arts audiences. At this event Kath Russell, Director of Development at the Hallé Concerts Society will be sharing how the Manchester-based orchestra fundraises from its networks. 

• The Barbour Fund, which was created by Hilden District Nursing Trust and Belfast Charitable Society to recognise hundreds of years of philanthropic works delivered by these historic organisations, is holding an event to celebrate its recent grants. In the past year it has supported older people’s activities, skills development projects and individuals who are trying to improve their lives.

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