Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of Stripe; Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, and Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds at The Ireland Funds 33rd National Gala in Washington D.C. held on March 13, 2025. Over 700 guests gathered for the event which raised over $1 million for The Ireland Funds’ work with hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the island of Ireland.
Washington, D.C. (March 13, 2025)
The Ireland Funds, a global philanthropic network which supports the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year across the island of Ireland, hosted its 33rd National Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Congressman Brendan Boyle, Congressman David Joyce and Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn were honored. Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD attended and addressed those gathered as part of his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the United States.
The National Gala generates support for the work of The Ireland Funds as the organization is one of the largest private grant makers to the nonprofit sector across the island of Ireland. In 2024, The Ireland Funds provided grants totaling more than $28.5 million to over 330 nonprofits.
“We are proud that this unique event continues to bring friends of Ireland from both side of the Atlantic together to celebrate the power of philanthropy and the special bond between the U.S. and the island of Ireland,” said Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. “It is an opportunity to thank our extraordinary donors, to recognize the public service and leadership of our Honorees and to welcome Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD as he visits Washington, D.C.”
For over thirty years, the Gala has recognized and honored Presidents, Prime Ministers, artists, humanitarians, and leaders in government, business, and philanthropy. Honorary Chairs of the 2025 event were H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S.; H.E. Lord Mandelson, British Ambassador to the U.S.; and Richard Cushnie, Director, Northern Ireland Bureau. Chief Anchor of BBC News Caitríona Perry served as the evening’s Gala Emcee.
ABOUT THE IRELAND FUNDS
The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education, and community development across the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for deserving causes in Ireland and beyond, benefiting thousands of nonprofit organizations since its founding.
Photo credit: Tony Powell
