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Registered Charity 327889
About The Ireland Funds
The Ireland Funds is a network of friends of Ireland dedicated to creating a positive social impact and making a real difference to communities in need. We raise funds to support community, culture, education, and peace on the island of Ireland and in Irish communities around the world.
Our philanthropic network was established by Sir Anthony O’Reilly and Dan Rooney over 45 years ago in the United States. That organisation now has chapters in 12 countries and globally in its 45 years has raised over £450m to support over 3200 different organisations.
Supporting Our Community
We connect people.
Our aim is to curate a network of likeminded individuals; people who are passionate about making a difference and to bring them together so they can connect with each other.
We channel support.
We work closely with our network of donors and supporters to understand the causes that they are passionate about and to guide and assist them to deliver the impact that they want to make with their giving.
We change lives.
The passion and commitment of our donors enable us to fund organisations across Ireland and Great Britain. We are honoured to be the stewards of that care and investment which improves so many lives and creates so many opportunities for growth.
How We Raise Funds
The IFGB does not receive or seek government funding; we rely on donations from private individuals, corporations and other non-statutory sources. We host fundraising events, prize draws and auctions. We are grateful to all our Corporate Partners who have given generously. Their contribution ensures that the maximum amount of your donation goes directly to the organisations we support, rather than on administration and fundraising costs
Our Grants
The Ireland Funds Great Britain Community Impact Fund will open for online applications on 28th October 2025. This year, IFGB will operate an open grant round and charities who meet the application criteria will be able to apply for funding by completing an online application form.
The opportunity to apply is not a guarantee of funding. The deadline for completed applications is Friday 28th November 2025. Successful projects will be notified of their award offer by Monday 9th March 2026.
Within our four pillars (Community Development, Peace, Education & Culture), we will prioritise applications from organisations working in the following spaces. However, if your project falls out of these headers, you are still welcome to apply.
Relief of Poverty and Hardship
- The avoidance of hardship by supporting vulnerable members of society, whether or not of Irish descent, and servicing basic/critical needs
Belonging and Integration
- Support initiatives that foster a sense of connection, acceptance and identity within communities, particularly for individuals or groups who are isolated, marginalised, or underserved.
- Break down barriers to full participation in society by promoting equitable access to services, opportunities, and networks, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive socially, economically, and culturally.
You can download the full application guidelines here: Application Guidelines Community Impact Fund 2026
Please contact us at ifgb@irelandfunds.org if you have any queries not addressed in the information provided.
The Ireland Funds Great Britain Board
Bridget Walsh (Chair) – Global Private Equity Industry Market Leader, EY
Declan Tiernan (Vice Chair) – Co-Head of Europe and Partner, Oak Hill Advisors
Ruairi Conneely (Treasurer) – Managing Director, Sunlight Project Finance Ltd
Eoin Bastible – Partner, Sera Global
Emer Finnan – President (Europe), Kildare Partners
Rory Godson – Senior Managing Director, Sodali & Co
Garrett Hayes – Partner, Dentons
Conor Hillery – Co-Head of Investment Banking (EMEA), J.P Morgan
Padraig Moore – Co-Head of Europe & Senior Portfolio Manager at Avenue Capital Group
Rachel Naughton – Head of SME Banking, AIB
Sue O’Brien OBE – Executive Chair, People Advisory, UK & Vice Chair, Teneo
Zachary Webb – Director – Catalyst, M&G Investments
Susan Whelan OBE – Chief Executive, Leicester City Football Club and
Senior Executive Vice President, King Power International
