Philanthropy Week 2011 begins in Belfast

Monday, November 28 sees the beginning of Philanthropy Week 2011.

Philanthropy will top the business agenda in Belfast this week, as a series of events raise the profile of intelligent giving from Monday, November 28.

Organised by the Vision in Philanthropy Partnership, comprising six key local business, political, charity and cultural organisations, the events will ensure the profile of philanthropy has never been higher in Northern Ireland.

Tony McCusker, Chair of The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said; “At a time when our entire society is under incredible economic pressures, the role of philanthropy has never been more important.

“Across the events held during Philanthropy Week, there will be a strong message that philanthropy is good for business and good for society at large.

“Those already engaged as philanthropists will explain why it’s such a positive experience and those who are considering beginning their own philanthropic journeys will get advice and guidance on making it happen.”

Starting with a launch event at the US Consul General’s office in Belfast on Monday, organised by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, a further five key events will allow potential philanthropists to learn more about strategic giving.

On Tuesday, November 29 at 8.00am, a breakfast discussion for Professional Advisers at the Lyric Theatre will hear Emma Turner, Head of Client Philanthropy at Barclays Wealth, debate the business case for philanthropy with a panel of experts.

Emma said: “I am delighted to participate in this important event and hope we can widen the debate about helping clients with their philanthropic journey.”

Later that day (1.00pm), a Cultural Fundraiser’s Masterclass will be hosted by Arts and Business NI will be held at the Golden Thread Gallery.

On Wednesday, November 30 at 11.30am, a Northern Ireland Trusts Group Open Forum, supported by The Lloyds TSB Foundation, will examine Impact Philanthropy at Clifton House in Belfast.
          
Philanthrobabble, a Let’s Talk youth forum, will be held later (2.00pm) at the YouthAction NI headquarters on College Square North and will give local young people the opportunity to probe issues around philanthropy and consider becoming the philanthropists of tomorrow.

Finally, the University of Ulster’s Belfast Campus will provide the backdrop for a Giving Circle Round Table, facilitated by Give Inc, where invited guests will look at intelligent giving with the support of the School for Social Enterprises in Ireland.

The Partnership is supported by the Building Change Trust and comprises Arts and Business NI, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Heritage Lottery Fund, The Lloyds TSB Foundation, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Ulster Community Investment Trust.

A new report, commissioned by the Vision in Philanthropy Partnership, will also be launched this week.

Compiled by consultants RSM McClure Watters, the report examines the motivations, mechanisms and future potential of philanthropy in Northern Ireland.

Click here to download the report.

Advice and guidance for philanthropists is available online from www.philanthropyni.org.

For more information, call Helen McKeever, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland on 028 90 245 927.