Marking Half a Century of Philanthropy, Partnership & Progress
The Ireland Funds began as a bold vision to support peace and possibility.
Today, and throughout this year, we will be celebrating 50 years as the worldwide network of generosity and care for the island of Ireland.
Dan Rooney and Tony O’Reilly:
Dreamers who dared to imagine a global Irish community united in purpose
In 1976, Dan Rooney, the former US Ambassador to Ireland and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, along with fellow Pittsburgh businessman Anthony J.F. O’Reilly, created what was then The Ireland Fund.
With a trinity of goals — peace, culture and charity — The Ireland Fund appealed for support for Ireland and its people.
On St. Patrick’s Day 1987, The Ireland Fund and the American Irish Foundation, founded by Irish President Éamon de Valera and U.S. President John F. Kennedy, merged at a White House ceremony to form The American Ireland Fund.
Since then, the network has grown in scope, mission and reach across the U.S and around the globe to welcome all those with an interest in the island of Ireland.
WATCH: The 1987 White House merger ceremony hosted by President Ronald Reagan
“The Ireland Funds. A resounding success. A stimulus for peace.
A vital link between Ireland and America.”
— PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN in 1987
“My message is a simple one. There is a first glimmering of dawn, of peace and honor and economic development for all. The Ireland Funds is the way to help.”
— TONY O’REILLY, CO-FOUNDER OF THE IRELAND FUNDS AT THE 1985 BOSTON GALA
“Tony O’Reilly and I discussed the direction to take. We were for peace, and we were going to stay for it. It worked. We felt we could accomplish our mission. I thank God for the involvement of so many.”
— AMB. DAN ROONEY, CO-FOUNDER OF THE IRELAND FUNDS IN 2016 REFLECTING ON THE CREATION OF THE ORGANIZATION
IMPACT THAT ECHOES
From classrooms to communities, The Ireland Funds’ work has created countless opportunities and lasting change.
Today, thanks to our donors, we are proud to be the largest and most impactful global philanthropic organization for the island of Ireland and its nonprofit sector.
Together, we have raised over $750 million to support thousands of organizations working across the four pillars of The Ireland Funds’ mission: education, peace & reconciliation, arts & culture, and community development.
EDUCATION
From early childhood programs to lifelong learning, we’ve backed educational innovation that builds futures.
The classroom tomorrow starts with the investments we make today, and The Ireland Funds continues to support creative approaches to learning and growth.
SPOTLIGHT: NO MIND LEFT BEHIND
Across the island of Ireland, there are talented young people who need an opportunity to access third-level education.
The Ireland Funds established the No Mind Left Behind program to provide that opportunity with an annual scholarship for books, accommodation, and other essential expenses.
Today, hundreds of students each year receive this life-changing scholarship, opening doors to a brighter future and empowering them to reach their full potential — in 2025, The Ireland Funds supported 450+ No Mind Left Behind students.
PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
For five decades, we’ve stood for peace, dialogue, and understanding. Supporting initiatives that bridge divides and build connections across communities. The work continues, and the potential is limitless.
SPOTLIGHT: INTEGRATED EDUCATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND
The Ireland Funds helped establish Integrated Education as it supported the creation of Lagan College, the very first integrated school in Belfast in 1981.
Today, thanks in part to The Ireland Funds’ ongoing support, there are 70+ schools across Northern Ireland bringing children from Protestant, Catholic, and other diverse backgrounds, together to learn.
WATCH: The Ireland Funds Support for Peace in Northern Ireland
ARTS & CULTURE
Culture connects us, art inspires us, creativity defines us. We support initiatives that preserve Ireland’s rich cultural traditions. From The Ireland Funds AWB Vincent Literary Award to Music Generation to Fighting Words, we’ve celebrated the greats for 50 years while nurturing space for new voices and contemporary expression.
SPOTLIGHT: MUSIC GENERATION
The Ireland Funds and U2, helped establish Music Generation in 2010.
Today, it is Ireland’s national music program and provides more than 100,000 opportunities a year for young people to engage with music each year.
“Your generosity, certainly to Music Generation and to all the other things that you fund, is extraordinary. It has given us a healthy respect for how music can change lives, and it is a rewarding irony that the success of Music Generation has been more fulfilling than any other achievement. We’ve been very lucky to have the generous support of The American Ireland Fund.”
— ADAM CLAYTON OF U2 AT THE 2016 NEW YORK GALA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Through changing times and challenging moments, communities across Ireland have shown remarkable resilience. For 50 years we’ve worked with local leaders, grassroots initiatives, and community-driven solutions across the island. We listen, we bring both financial and non-financial supports, and we help communities to thrive.
SPOTLIGHT: BELVEDERE YOUTH CLUB
Belvedere Youth Club is one of Ireland’s oldest youth clubs, working to empower educate, and support young people in Dublin’s challenging North Inner City.
With the support of The Ireland Funds since 1991, it has created a safe and vibrant space for children to flourish.
CAMARADERIE AND CONNECTION
Gathering together as donors creates something truly special and transforms philanthropy into family. We’re united not by where we’re from, but by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference that transcends borders and backgrounds. Whether through interest or ancestry, our donors believe in the purposeful work we’re doing together.
Our events draw influential leaders and changemakers creating an extraordinary community where meaningful relationships flourish alongside impactful giving. It’s this unique combination — the power of collective action, and the joy of shared purpose — that makes being part of The Ireland Funds family so rewarding.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
As we mark 50 years, we renew our commitment to the nonprofits, communities, and causes that make the island of Ireland extraordinary. It’s not just a milestone — it’s a launching point.
Together, we’ve built a legacy of strength and connection. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our mission, your involvement is what moves the needle of progress forward.
As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we invite you to join us as we dream bigger. We invite you to stay with The Ireland Funds as we shape the future of the island of Ireland.
“We will not achieve our goals of peace, culture, and charity in our lifetimes, but we will have passed to future generations our vision of a truly noble and inspiring Ireland. We must continue.”
— TONY O’REILLY, CO-FOUNDER OF THE IRELAND FUNDS IN 1992