Report paints bleak view of Irish philanthropy

Irish people are not as generous as people in the UK or USA, according to a new report by consultants McKinsey Company.

"Rising disposable income levels in Ireland have not translated proportionally into rising levels of charitable giving,” the report, Philanthropy in the Republic of Ireland, said.

The report found that giving in Ireland tends to be unplanned and donations are small.

At the top end, public perception and media coverage is rather sceptical of large-scale philanthropic engagement by wealthy Irish people and philanthropists are under general suspicion of gaining additional tax breaks or other benefits from charitable donations, the report said.

In relation to charitable foundations, Ireland is at the bottom of the European league, with only 30 foundations compared to over 8,000 in the UK.

Corporate philanthropy is also very low, the report said, especially by large Irish companies.

The report suggested collaboration or consolidation of some of the charities would enable the sector to work more effectively and efficiently.

The report makes three suggestions to improve the climate for philanthropy in Ireland:

* Improve giving culture by highlighting the value that larger philanthropists and corporate giving can make to society

* Mobilize resources for philanthropy by fostering the use of regular, planned donation methods both for the mass market and top donors

* Expand and strengthen underlying infrastructure with professional advisors engaging clients on philanthropy

www.mckinsey.com

Photo: DavidDennisPhotos.com on Flickr.com