May 2008: Philanthropist of the Year Awards 2008 Launched

The Community Foundation for Ireland Launches the 2008 Philanthropist of the Year Awards

Business in the Community Ireland's sister organisation, The Community Foundation for Ireland, has called on the public to nominate worthy individuals for the 2008 Philanthropist of the Year Awards. The annual awards recognise the vision and generosity of Irish philanthropists who make a huge impact on communities and voluntary organisations both here in Ireland and abroad. Speaking at the launch of the 2008 Philanthropist of the Year Awards, which will take place in Dublin in December, Tina Roche, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland, said, “Our Awards are designed to lift the lid on the huge amount of good work and generosity happening here in Ireland and to inspire more and more people to get involved in philanthropy throughout the country”. Last year's winners were J.P. McManus, who was named Philanthropist of the Year - Ireland and Niall Mellon who was awarded Philanthropist of the Year - International. “We had two very deserving winners last year. They demonstrated the vision, passion and generosity that true philanthropy is about,” added Tina Roche. Many of last year's nominations were made by fundraisers in small and large charities across Ireland. This year The Community Foundation is hoping to further increase the number of nominations they receive. A new category, Philanthropist of the Year - Local, has been added to honour individuals who have made a significant impact in their own local communities or at a regional level in Ireland. “The opportunity to nominate a donor provides a unique opportunity for fundraisers to demonstrate their gratitude to key supporters” said Tina Roche at the launch. “Those who are happy to be nominated are not looking for praise but see the value of philanthropy and the need for philanthropy role models in Ireland, and this is a key benefit of these awards” she added. The three categories in this year's awards are: - Philanthropist of the Year - Ireland - Philanthropist of the Year - International - Philanthropist of the Year - Local A high profile independent judging panel has been selected to reflect the prestigious nature of these awards. The panel consists of well known figures in Ireland, including: Liz O'Donnell, Eamon Coughlan, Conor O'Clery and will be chaired by author Deirdre Purcell. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in December of this year. Nominations are invited from the general public - including community and voluntary organisations, charities, welfare groups, arts and sports bodies, churches and foundations that work in partnership with philanthropists and have knowledge of the value and impact of the contribution and benefit that a donor has made. Closing date for nominations is Friday, 26th September 2008 and nomination forms are available online at www.foundation.ie