50 Years and Forward

Half a century championing work that supports thriving lives across the island of Ireland.

The Ireland Funds
1976-2026

50 years of advancing peace and prosperity

In 1976, Dan Rooney and Tony O’Reilly launched a unique opportunity for people to join forces and create positive change on the island of Ireland. Grounded in camaraderie and shared purpose, The Ireland Funds has become the leading philanthropic organization for Ireland worldwide.

Today we celebrate that vision and its decisive role in supporting a more open, confident, and connected Ireland, and we thank our generous donors and dedicated partners. The impact is real. The work continues.

Explore impact Stories

A Vision Rooted in Purpose

Five decades ago, as Ireland faced turbulent political and economic headwinds, Dan Rooney — former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers — and Pittsburgh businessman Anthony J.F. O’Reilly had an idea: by harnessing the power and generosity of the Irish diaspora, they could support organizations working on the ground to advance peace and prosperity.

What began as an act of belief — that people working together across oceans could make a real difference in Ireland — has become the heart of an international network that is quite literally making a world of difference.

Our History

1970s

The Founding Decade

In 1976, amid turmoil in Northern Ireland, Dan Rooney and Tony O’Reilly establish The Ireland Fund to support peace, culture, and community development — offering a non-partisan path for philanthropy.

Highlights:

1976 – The Ireland Fund is founded with a mission focused on “peace, culture, and charity”.
1976 – First fundraising dinner in New York
1978 – Early grants begin supporting communities across Ireland during the Troubles.
1978 – International expansion begins with the establishment of The Ireland Funds Canada.

1980s

Merger and Momentum

The 1980s is a time of rapid growth and in 1987, a landmark merger creates The American Ireland Fund, strengthening the organization’s reach and impact while accelerating its role as a global philanthropic leader.

Highlights:

Early 1980s – Continued U.S. growth establishes a strong national network, with chapters starting across major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and Chicago.
1987 – The White House hosts an event heralding the merger with the American Irish Foundation founded by Irish President Éamon de Valera and U.S. President John F. Kennedy expanding the organization’s reach further.
1987 – Immediate philanthropic momentum follows merger announcement with major donations pledged.
Late 1980s – Funds raised support cross-community initiatives, including support for Northern Ireland’s integrated education movement.

1990s

Culture, Peace, and a Global Profile

As Ireland moves toward peace, The Ireland Funds amplifies its cultural and humanitarian impact — supporting reconciliation while elevating Irish arts and voices on a global stage through high-profile events and partnerships.

Highlights:

1992 – President Mary Robinson addresses The Ireland Funds Conference, affirming its global impact.
1995 – Events and programming highlight the challenges and urgency of peacebuilding. Liam Neeson is one of the notable figures playing a role at major fundraising events.
Late 1990s – The organization continues to broaden support for noteworthy education and community initiatives across Ireland.

2000s

Recognizing Excellence and Expanding Impact

Entering a new century, The Ireland Funds deepens its support for arts, education, and community development, while recognizing leading literary voices and strengthening its global philanthropic footprint.

Highlights:

2000 – Edna O’Brien receives the organization’s signature literary award.
Early 2000s – Growth in international chapters strengthens global engagement.
2003 – The Hope and History Campaign, launched in 1999, concludes raising a total of $108.5 million
Late 2000s – The organization prepares to respond to Ireland’s rising economic challenges.
Ongoing – Increased support for education, youth, and community organizations.

2010s

Responding to Crisis, Strengthening Community

In response to Ireland’s economic recession, The Ireland Funds launches one of its most ambitious campaigns, dramatically increasing support for nonprofits and reinforcing its role as a critical philanthropic lifeline.

Highlights:

2009–2015 – The Promising Ireland Campaign drives a 306% increase in grants.
2012 – Poet Seamus Heaney is honored with a Lifetime Literary Achievement Award.
2016 – The organization’s 40th anniversary is marked with a global conference.
2010 – In partnership with U2, The Ireland Funds establishes Music Generation to bring music education to Ireland’s children.
2010s – The Young Leaders Society grows across U.S. and global chapters strengthening the next generation’s commitment to The Ireland Funds’ mission.

2020s

Impact at Scale, A Milestone Anniversary

Building on decades of growth, The Ireland Funds continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, culminating in its most successful grantmaking year and the celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Highlights:

2020s – The Heart of the Community Fund provides key funding to hundreds of grassroots organizations working in communities across the island of Ireland
2025 – The Ireland Funds Scholarship Programs have supported hundreds of students with access to third-level education and Master’s studies
2025 – Most successful grantmaking year in the organization’s history. Total raised since inception reaches $750+ million for thousands of nonprofit organizations
2026 – The Ireland Funds celebrates its 50th anniversary.