Our History
Fundraising Ireland is the association of professional fundraisers in Ireland.
In 2007, a small group of passionate fundraisers came together to share a common vision. All these individuals had long considered the need for an association for fundraisers in Ireland. Their discussions led to the establishment of Fundraising Ireland.
For the next two years, a voluntary steering group worked to progress the following aims and objectives:
- Promote best practice in fundraising
- Enable fundraisers in Ireland to network
- Represent the profession of fundraising in the process of evolving charities and fundraising regulation.
In May 2009, Fundraising Ireland was incorporated as a limited company without share capital and elected its first Board of Directors. Mary O’Kennedy agreed to serve as board chair. Today, Fundraising Ireland is awaiting its designation with charity status.
From 2007 to 2009, Fundraising Ireland introduced a series of successful events and seminars. During this time, participation and interest in its offerings continued to grow. In March 2009, the National Fundraising Conference was introduced. The 2010 conference, which took place in March, was oversubscribed and the event was widely acknowledged to have been a great success.
As the organisation expanded its function, it became clear that it would require professional staff in order to continue its growth, In early 2010, the Board appointed Ed Hurrell, as Business Development Manager. Ed is charged with ensuring that membership of Fundraising Ireland grows and with helping to refine and execute the Board’s ambitious vision for future development.
In 2011, Fundraising Ireland will launch a mentoring programme and an accredited, certified fundraising education programme. With each passing year, the vision of establishing a strong, national fundraising association that ensures fundraisers in Ireland are at the forefront of international best practice and standards, becomes closer to a reality.
