mplementing Mental Health to your Nonprofit 2023

Integrating a Mental Health Approach in Your Nonprofit in 2023

As we enter 2023, it is important to reflect on the year gone by, and equally to look forward to fresh starts. The nonprofit sector is no different and Mental Health Reform’s recent event, ‘Coalition Conversations; Celebrating the work of the Mental Health Sector in 2022’ was an insightful morning. There were representatives from organisations including HAIL, Doras, ISPCC, Jigsaw, A Lust for Life, KDYS, Cairde and the HSE, as well as mental health advocates, university lecturers from Maynooth and WIT and the Ombudsman for Children.

These panel discussions orientated around the three core themes of housing and health, youth mental health and health in era of global displacement, there was plenty of space for learning. One insight in particular has the potential to generate positive change within your nonprofit and across the nonprofit sector; that of embedding a mental health approach.

Mental health today

One in every four people will experience mental health difficulties at some point in their life,[1] making it one of the most pressing issues of our time. There is increasing awareness that mental health problems are complex, cross-cutting and inextricably linked to the environment we live in. Oftentimes, they are produced and perpetuated by the presence of deprivation, poverty, inequality and other socio-economic factors. [2] Mental health does not exist in a vacuum and often transcends individual actions, thus the wellbeing of society must be considered in light of structural determinants.

At present, Ireland is experiencing a housing crisis[3] which is driving insecurity and acting as a barrier to a thriving society. In addition, the rising cost of living, international conflict, and the fallout from the pandemic have resulted in increased vulnerabilities. This has denied many individuals of safety and security, essential pillars to our wellbeing. In recognising that mental health is so much more than a simple absence of mental illness, and that there are a multitude of external influences, we must in turn see the value in multi-sector approaches. [4]

A multi-sector approach would complement the health services by creating programmes and policies across the sectors of education, housing, employment, social welfare and legal support which are sensitive to mental health. This involves inter-departmental government cooperation[5] , as well as Nonprofits and civil society organisations building on a history of cross-sector collaboration to strengthen overall mental health responses.

 

The case for integrating a mental health approach

Nonprofits are uniquely positioned in Irish society, working to build inclusion and resilience and to foster community development. Nonprofits engage with some of the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups of people in our society.  These include ethnic minorities, migrants, children and young people, unemployed people and older people, all of whom are at high risk of developing mental health problems. [6]

In this sense, nonprofits have first-hand experience of the emotional and psychological effects of issues such as homelessness, displacement, addiction, abuse and poverty. They are at the forefront of witnessing the causes and consequences of mental health problems and as a result are central to forming solutions.

 

What does a mental health approach look like?

Dynamic and cohesive responses which are proactive instead of reactive are the future. Moving forward, a progressive mental health approach should advance from siloed, fragmented responses and towards an open system of collaboration.

This involves an acceptance of the presence of mental health as an aspect of working with people. Furthermore, it also involves an opening up of the conversation around mental health. It is about increasing awareness of the issues vulnerable groups face, both in maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing and in accessing supports. It could be making a conscious effort to prioritise training around mental health awareness, adopting culturally sensitive mental health supports or committing to a developed understanding of the intersecting factors that can contribute to positive mental health.

There could be increased activity around mental health advocacy and campaigns, or an elevated effort to enhance joint initiatives between organisations. Furthermore, a mental health approach should be inclusive and comprehensive, sensitive to the mental health of staff and volunteers.

 

The result

Steps towards developing a mental health approach can be big or small, however any effort could have a transformative effect on the impact of your nonprofit and in turn, on society in general, serving to embed a people-orientated approach in services and supports, create sustainable solutions and contribute to the normalisation of conversations on mental health and the deconstruction of the stigma associated with mental health in Ireland.

 

Further Support

If you’re interested in developing organisational change within your nonprofit, consider developing a Strategic Plan. This will help unify and motivate your organisation to think about future sustainability and organisational change. For more information, visit our website or contact our Director of Advisory Services, Sheena Horgan at sheena.horgan@2into3.com.

 

Footnotes

[1] Healthy Ireland Framework 2013-2025, Health Services Ireland  https://assets.gov.ie/7555/62842eef4b13413494b13340fff9077d.pdf?external=1

[2] WHO (2011) Impact of economic crises on mental health, 2011. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/134999/e94837.pdf

[3] Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland (05/09/21), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/

[4] WHO (2022) World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338

[5] WHO (2022) World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all.

[6] WHO (2011) Impact of economic crises on mental health, 2011.

Giving Ireland Webinar series

Giving Ireland Subsector Webinars

Thank you to everyone who attended our Giving Ireland Subsector Webinar series last week. Following the in-person launch of Giving Ireland 2022 – Analysis and Insights on Funding of the Nonprofit Sector in 2020 Report Launch in Dubin, Cork and Galway, we hosted 7 webinars delving into the following subsectors: Education, Sport, Health, Arts, Social Services, International Development and Religion.

 

Education

We kicked off the webinar series with Education Subsector on Tuesday 29th November. The Giving Ireland 2022 report tells us that fundraised income decreased by 17% overall in 2020, with the Education sector seeing a decrease in total income by 2%. Despite this decrease, Education and Research were the only subsectors to experience a slight increase in earned income in 2020.

Nicola Rees, Development and Fundraising Professional at University of Galway joined us to provide insights on how the pandemic effected the Education sector in Ireland. If you’re interested in learning more, watch the recording of our webinar here.

 

Sport

For our next webinar on Thursday 1st December, we focused on the Sport Subsector. The Sport subsector experienced the second largest decrease in total income, by 11%. Rob Hartnett, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Sport for Business, joined us to provide insights on the sport subsector.

Rob’s discussed the impact of covid on sports community fundraising both at club level and within the wider sector, and more. For the full insights, watch the recording here.

 

Health

Hereafter, we delved into the Health Subsector, which saw a decrease in total income by 7% in 2020. Total income fell short of total expenditure for Health subsector, as well as Environment, Philanthropy and the Arts. Michael Nason, CEO of Cork University Hospital Charity, joined the webinar to provide information on the Health subsector.

Michael’s experience as CEO of Cork University Hospital made for an insightful discussion around the Health subsector, a key player during the pandemic. Watch the recording here.

Arts

The Arts subsector experienced the largest decrease in total income in 2020, by 25%. In our webinar, we explored the Arts subsector in more detail and discussed how to support the recovery of the sector, moving forward. Emma McKinley, Development Manager at Helium Arts and Donal Shiels, Artistic Director of The Civic Theatre joined our webinar to discuss the effect of the pandemic on the Arts subsector, and the continued recovery of the sector in 2022. Click here to watch the recording.

Social Services

Our next webinar focused on the Social Services subsector. They were one of only three subsectors to see an increase in total income, by 3%. Carol Casey, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Merchants Quay Ireland and Bruce Clark, Individual Giving Manager at Pieta House, joined our webinar to provide insights on Social Services. To watch the recording, click here.

 

International Development

The International Development subsector saw a decrease in total income by 9%. Eamon Sharkey, Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Communications at GOAL, joined this webinar to discuss International Development subsector. Watch recording here.

 

Religion

Despite fundraised income decreasing by 17% overall in 2020, the Religious subsector’s total income increased by 34%. We discussed the unique position of the Religious subsector in 2020 and explored reasons for the increased fundraised income within these organisations. Our CEO, Dennis O’Connor, joined this webinar to discuss Religion’s unique position within the sector in 2020. Watch here.

Looking at the fundraised income from 2020, we can acknowledge the resilience of the sector and look forward to a more positive future. Although we cannot predict the future, if we can take anything away from 2020, is that we have resilience to carry forward if crisis strikes again.

Contact Us

Thanks to all of our panellists who provided fantastic insights during each of our webinars. Download the Giving Ireland report here.

If you have any questions on the Giving Ireland Subsector Webinars, please contact our Head of Fundraising Advisory Practice, Rob Foley.

Castlebar Town FC

100% Success for Grant Application to the Community Centre Investment Fund

Castlebar Town FC logo client of 2into3

We are delighted to announce Castlebar Town FC, one of our Grant advisory clients, has received 100% of their grant application to the Community Centre Investment Fund. They were successful in attaining €35,000 for their clubhouse facilities, the first grant they have applied for. Our Grants advisory team worked with Castlebar Town FC on their grant application for the Community Centre Investment Fund.

 

The new Community Centre Investment Fund introduced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD, announced that Community Centres in Ireland will receive funding of over €33 million to upgrade 278 community centre facilities. This represents the largest single investment in community centres in decades.

 

Projects for an organisation’s development require a structured and planned approach, especially when making a successful grant application. Public funding programmes have strict funding criteria and application processes, our expert advice will guide you through the system to ensure you maximise the grant potential and achieve a successful outcome.

 

Need support with your grant application?

Our experienced Grants Advisory Team has particular experience with funding across Ireland and can help you with your application. For more information, on our Grants Services, visit here. To speak with our Head of Grants Advisory Practice directly, please contact Patricia Keenan.

nonprofit talent trends 2022 q3

Nonprofit Talent Trends Q3 2022

The latest instalment of the 2into3 Nonprofit Talent Trends report shows a continued increase in the level of senior recruitment within the sector. 

 For the third quarter of 2022, we recorded a total of 272 management roles advertised, an increase of 45 or 20% on the same period last year. These roles were with 193 different organisations, up 27 or 16% on 2021. This activity was spread across all main subsectors, with some significant shifts in some areas.  

 

Nonprofit Talent Trends q3 2022

Analysis by Subsector

4 sectors saw a drop in the number of roles advertised, including Health (37 down from 41), Education & Research (13, down from 19) and Arts Culture & Media (8, down from 11). 

In contrast, 7 sectors had an increased number of vacancies advertised, with Social Services the most active, with 92 roles, up from 68 in 2021. Philanthropy & Voluntarism was considerably more active as well, with 16 roles advertised this year versus 7 last year. Roles in the Religion subsector grew significantly, albeit from a relatively low base, from 3 to 8 year-on-year.  

It is also interesting to note the shift in role types over the course of the last year as well. CEO and Executive Director level roles went from representing 8.5% of all advertised to 4.8%, while Fundraising & Business Development dropped from 20.3% to 14.3%. Service Delivery & Operational Management positions remained fairly steady (53% versus 52%) but increased in number from 118 to 145. 

 Admin, Strategy and Governance more than doubled their share of roles, from 4% to 7.4% albeit from a low base, while most other role types remained relatively static in their share of advertised activity. 

 

So, overall, we continue to see an active and growing level of advertised recruitment activity for senior roles, at least from this snapshot, with the post-COVID recovery showing little sign of abating. 

We are however seeing some differences appear within the different subsectors, with the urgency of Health roles during the pandemic working their way out of the system, for example. On the other hand, Social Services needs are still high in the current economic climate, as evidenced by the volume of roles being advertised. 

Contact Us

From our own anecdotal experience in 2into3, the demand for talent remains high and we would expect this to continue into Q4, if the first few weeks are anything to go by.  We continue to receive requests for support from organisations who have been unsuccessful in attracting qualified candidates via their own internal recruitment efforts, a sign possibly that a more targeted approach using larger databases and networks is needed. 

The 2into3 Recruitment Team are available to discuss this report and the current recruitment market in the context of your own requirements. Please contact Fergal O’Sullivan at fergal.osullivan@2into3.com or on (086) 180-6051. 

LEADER programme funding 2022 2into3

€180m LEADER Programme for Rural Development

The Department of Rural and Community Development has announced the details of the €180 million LEADER Programme for 2023-2027. This funding is available for a range of organisations, including Sports Clubs and Community Groups, Voluntary Organisations, and Local Partnerships. 

The LEADER programme is administered at a local level by 29 local action groups, which contain local representatives from the community, public and private sector. Each group is responsible for selecting and awarding LEADER funding to projects within their geographical area.

 

LEADER Funding is available for the following projects

  • Rural Tourism & Recreation 
  • Projects which have the potential to make the area more attractive for local, national and foreign visitors 
  • Rural Infrastructure  
  • Projects to promote attractive places to visit, live and do business in, through coordination of integrated approaches that build on the economic strengths and infrastructure of the area whilst addressing the key challenges for business, community and recreation 
  • Accessible Services  
  • Improving access to basic services for people living in rural and remote areas and groups who are at risk of social exclusion These may include introduction of a new service or the reintroduction of a withdrawn service in the following areas: community; education/training; social/cultural; and recreation 
  • Rural Youth 
  • The promotion of youth entrepreneurship and training to improve pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas. Activity to develop the social infrastructure of rural areas for young people to realise their potential. 
  • Renewable energy  
  • Community based initiatives will play a key role in realising national and EU environmental targets, particularly in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through energy infrastructure Renewable energy technologies may also generate new employment opportunities in rural areas 

 

2023-2027 LEADER funding allocations by county 

County  Allocation 
Carlow  €4.9 million 
Cavan  €6.4 million 
Clare  €6.8 million 
Cork (North Cork, South Cork and West Cork)  €16.8 million 
Donegal  €10.4 million 
Dublin Rural  €4.7 million 
Galway  €9.0 million 
Kerry  €8.2 million 
Kildare  €5.4 million 
Kilkenny  €6.1 million 
Laois  €5.7 million 
Leitrim  €6.3 million 
Limerick  €6.9 million 
Longford  €5.8 million 
Louth  €4.9 million 
Mayo  €8.8 million 
Meath  €5.5 million 
Monaghan  €6.0 million 
Offaly  €6.3 million 
Roscommon  €6.8 million 
Sligo  €6.1 million 
Tipperary  €7.8 million 
Waterford  €6.1 million 
Westmeath  €5.7 million 
Wexford  €7.3 million 
Wicklow  €5.3 million 
Total  €180 million 

Interested in applying?

Projects for an organisation’s development require a structured and planned approach, especially when making a successful grant application. Public funding programmes have strict funding criteria and application processes, our expert advice will guide you through the system to ensure you maximise the grant potential and achieve a successful outcome. 

Our experienced Grants Advisory Team has particular experience with LEADER funding across Ireland and can help you with your application to the LEADER programme. For more information, on our Grants Services, visit here. To speak with our Head of Grants Advisory Practice directly, please contact Patricia Keenan.

Giving Ireland Report Launch 2022

Giving Ireland 2022 Report Launch

2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland warmly invite you to the launch of Giving Ireland 2022 – Analysis and Insights on Funding of the Nonprofit Sector in 2020. Kindly supported by The Community Foundation of Ireland, Quilter Cheviot and Ecclesiastical Insurance.

The report will examine the total fundraised income from philanthropic sources in 2020, changes from 2019, the fundraising performance of the sector, the fundraising mix in 2020, the cost of fundraising by method and international comparisons.

 

Giving Ireland 2022 – Event Details

We are hosting 3 in-person only events in Dublin, Galway and Cork from the 17th-24th November. If you are interested in attending, please register via the links below.

Dublin

When: Thurs 17th Nov
Where: TU Dublin, St. Laurence’s Church, Grangegorman
Time: 9am-11am
Register for Dublin event here

Cork

When: Wed 23rd Nov
Where: Republic of Work, 12 South Mall, Cork
Time: 10am-11.30am
Register for Cork event here

Galway

When: Thurs 24th Nov
Where: Portershed, Eyre Square, Galway
Time: 10am-11.30am
Register for Galway event here

 

About Giving Ireland 

The Giving Ireland 2022 Report gives a detailed analysis and insights on Funding of the Nonprofit Sector in 2020. Formerly known as “The Irish Not-for-Profit Sector: Fundraising Performance Report”, the Giving Ireland Report, builds a year-on-year performance insight into fundraising by the nonprofit sector in Ireland. It used a representative sample of nonprofit organisations to chart philanthropic income trends in Ireland.

Giving Ireland is kindly supported by The Community Foundation, Quilter Cheviot and Ecclesiastical Insurance.

 

About Philanthropy Ireland 

Philanthropy Ireland promotes the development of Philanthropy and good giving practice in Ireland and aims to maximise the impact of giving, making real and lasting change for the benefit of society. While 90% of people in Ireland give to charity, it is estimated only 12% do so in a planned way. Philanthropy Ireland aims to change this and to encourage people to give more and give more strategically.

About 2into3 

2into3 works with mission-driven organisations to build capacity, so that they can have a transformative impact on society in Ireland and the world. The Irish nonprofit sector is comprised of a diverse range of subsectors, from Social Services and Health to Education and Sport. 2into3 has experience working with organisations across the sector in Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Grants Services, Governance, Recruitment and Research.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact judith.power@2into3.com. For more information on Giving Ireland, visit here.

celebrating 350 clients 2into3

Celebrating our 350th Client with Aiséirí

We are delighted to announce that we are celebrating our 350th client. Our team has worked with a range of fantastic organisations over the past 16 years and we are thrilled to have reached another milestone in our client base.

Our 350th client is Aiséirí, who provide community and residential services to help young people, adults and families overcome addiction and lead meaningful lives in recovery. Aiséirí was seeking a ‘Communications and Engagement Officer’ to support their Development, Communications and Marketing team. We referred them to our sister brand, the For Purpose Graduate Programme, which connects graduates with nonprofit organisations.

“In terms of recruitment, the For Purpose process was excellent. Rhonda provided us with so much support and expertise. We are so delighted to have our new Communications and Engagement Officer on board, she is already part of the team and is settling in brilliantly.”

– Philomena Furlong, Development, Learning & Engagement Manager, Aiséirí.

 

For Purpose Graduate Programme

The For Purpose Graduate Programme is our sister brand which connects eager graduates to nonprofit organisations. For Purpose assists nonprofit organisations attract, mentor and develop the future leaders of the nonprofit sector. The programme covers a wide range of career paths in a number of different sectors, ranging from marketing & communications, fundraising, social services, human resources, housing officers and more.

Why invest in a graduate through For Purpose?

  • Shape the future leaders of the nonprofit sector
  • Fresh ideas for your organisation
  • Technical skills / social media savy
  • Values driven candidates who are keen to develop within nonprofit organisations

 Click here for more information on the Value of Graduates in Nonprofit Sector.

Get in Touch

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients, partners, and those who have supported 2into3 over the past 16 years. For more information on our services, visit here or contact Dennis O’Connor. If you’re considering recruiting a graduate to develop your nonprofit, contact Rhonda Wynne directly.

About Aiséirí

Aiséirí provides residential and community based addiction treatment service for adults and young people. Their services include detox, primary and secondary residential treatment and a continuum of care programme. Their specialist and caring staff create an environment that is therapeutic in all aspects, where each person feels valued, safe and supported as they make their journey towards recovery and new life changes.

 

TUD Giving Ireland 2into3 Partnership

TU Dublin and Giving Ireland Announce Partnership on PhD

We are delighted to announce the partnership of Giving Ireland (our joint collaboration with Philanthropy Ireland) and TU Dublin. The outcome of this partnership is the creation of a PhD research programme investigating how nonprofits are impacted by the culture of giving and donating in Ireland. This programme, titled: “Sustaining the Nonprofit Economy: An Investigation into Giving Culture and Infrastructure for Charity and Philanthropy in Ireland”, will aim to inform nonprofits and government policy makers to aid decision making. 

“We are delighted to collaborate with TU Dublin on this innovative programme, bringing together the nonprofit sector and academia to identify and explore the most pertinent funding issues faced by the nonprofit sector. How to build resilience and growth in the social economy so it meets the needs of those it was setup to support. What does transformative scale look like and how can this be achieved? I’ll be very interested to read the findings the programme will produce”, said Dennis O’Connor, our CEO. 

 

About Giving Ireland 

Giving Ireland is a collaboration between 2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland. It seeks to provide a platform for the sector that will foster collaboration, provide insights and encourage collective action. The objective of Giving Ireland is to provide insights into charitable giving in Ireland and support informed decision-making.  

 

Outcome of Giving Ireland and TU Dublin Partnership 

As Ireland experiences significant societal change and the operational environment of nonprofits is increasingly complex, the programme combines industry with academia to address several of the nonprofit sector’s pressing issues, namely, how to scale giving to be transformative, how to move into a future/digital society sustainably/supported by giving, and how to harness policy as a tool to enable giving in a way that bests support a resilient/sustainable social economy and meet the needs of its people. 

 Its aim is to empower nonprofits to improve decision making and to invest in giving and fundraising strategies that gain support from key stakeholders (public, colleagues, boards, regulators, politicians and media), and to reduce barriers to scale charitable and philanthropic giving.  

 

Giving Ireland Report 

A key output from this programme will be the publication of the annual ‘Giving Ireland’ report that aims to narrow the gap in knowledge on the sector by providing an analysis of its composition, funding and benchmarked performance. This report delves into the funding of the sector, looking at State, Earned, Investment and Fundraised income and exploring the implications of these trends.  

The insights and data published in the Giving Ireland report will further inform the leadership of the nonprofit sector. In the summer of 2022, TU Dublin started the research for Giving Ireland 2022 report, previous Giving Ireland reports were researched and published as part of a collaboration between 2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland. Both 2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland will continue with their support of the Giving Ireland report publication and distribution. 

 

The Research Partnership 

Dr. Etain Kidney, Head of School, Marketing and Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin said, “This collaboration reflects our commitment in TU Dublin to creating a better future together with our partners. We want to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues, using research and education to drive of social change. Our partnership with 2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland will uncover truths about the unique giving culture here in Ireland and offer insight into how this can be mobilised to benefit those in need”. 

 Éilis Murray, Philanthropy Ireland, Chief Executive Officer said, “We at Philanthropy Ireland are delighted to be involved in this exciting research initiative and we look forward to the insights the findings will bring.  Philanthropy can be a transformative complementary, component of the funding mix, offering the nonprofit sector opportunities for scaling, partnership, and innovation. Data is needed to inform philanthropy, for both funders and grantees. This research initiative is an excellent step in supporting philanthropic activity in Ireland.  

 

Contact Us 

For more information on Giving Ireland or TU Dublin, visit their website.  If you have particular research questions, please contact Dennis O’Connor. 

2023 Budget: Supports for our Grant Services Clients

2023 Budget: Supports for our Grant Services Clients

This year’s budget comes at a time of massive uncertainty with the cost of living crisis, high energy, high inflation, and war in Ukraine. The government announced a “budget-within-a-budget” with €4.1 billion one-off measures supporting the €6.9 billion package to protect Irish people against this crisis. We have outlined the range of government supports that will affect our grants service and more importantly, how they will improve your nonprofit organisation. 

Department of Rural and Community Development 

Rural and Community Development Irish Budget 2023

Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands – €201 million 

This programme saw a slight decrease from the 2022 levels, from €202.1 million to €201 million. With the allocation, we will see commitments to: 

  • Deliver Our Rural Future, rural recreation supports, and the Towns Centres First initiative. 
  • Continue to invest in rural regeneration and development through a range of capital schemes, including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town and Village Renewal and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. 
  • Fund activity under the Department’s capital programmes, including the next iteration of the LEADER programme, which is due to come into effect in 2023.
  • To ensure continued provision of lifeline transport services and the maintenance and upgrade of essential island infrastructure. 

 

Community Development – €187 million 

Community Development Irish Budget 2023 nonprofits

The level of support has increased with a 9% rise from the Government from 2022 from €171 million to €187 million this year. The programme aims to promote and support the development of inclusive communities, and in the community and voluntary sector. The allocation will see:  

  • Continued and improved delivery of all of community development schemes, with increases in funding for schemes such as SICAP, the Community Services Programme, supports for volunteering, and mentoring for social enterprises.  
  • Strengthen local participation through supports for Public Participation Networks and Local Community Development Committees.
  • Increase funding under the newly established Community Centre Investment Fund.  

 

Arts & Culture, Tourism, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media   

Budget 2023 Ireland Sports Nonprofits 2into3

Sports and Recreation – €174.8 million 

This department saw a decrease in funding of 4% from €181.2 million in 2022 to €174.8 million in 2023. The government aims to promote to a healthier and more active society through sports participation. This programme will see the allocation:  

  • Provide additional support for Sport Ireland to support preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2024 and to increase sports participation.
  • Sustain funding for Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
  • Sustain funding for Sports Measures via the Dormant Accounts Fund. 
  • Sustain funding for attracting major sporting events to Ireland. 

Some of the selected new measures promoted by the department: 

  • Increased funding for Sports Ireland to support high performance athletics’ preparation in the run up to the Olympics and Paralympics in 2024 – €4 million.
  • Increased funding for the implementation of the Sports Action Plan 2021- 2023 – €4 million.

 

New Measures

Funding Budget 2023

Selected new measures highlighted by the department include: 

  • Increased funding for key schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme (+1m) and CLÁR (+0.5m) – €1.5 million.
  • Increased funding for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the context of the forthcoming National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – €1 million.
  • Increased funding for the Community Services Programme to implement a new funding model for supported organisations – €3.5 million.
  • Enhanced social community supports through the European Social Fund – €1 million o Increased funding for SICAP and similar type supports – €2.2 million.
  • Enhance volunteering supports (+€1m) and assisting the work completed by Public Participation Networks (+€0.4m) – €1.4 million.
  • Additional funding for the new Community Centres Investment Fund, which launched in 2022 and will benefit both rural and urban communities.

 

Contact Us

Public funding programmes have strict funding criteria and application processes. Our expert advice will guide you through the system to ensure you maximise the grant potential and achieve a successful outcome. Our experienced team will help you come to informed decisions that are in the best interests of your organisation going forward and planning for sustainability.  

In the last 2 years, our Grants Advisory team have managed 16 applications for the 2021 Sports Capital Grants for local clubs and NGBs. They secured a total of €2.4 million in grants with a success rate of 100%, with 50% of clients receiving full allocation of what they applied for.

For more information on 2into3’s Grant Services, visit our page or contact Patricia Keenan directly on +353 (0)86 065 7347.

Nonpaid Benefits nonprofits 2into3

Non-paid Benefits: An Analysis of the Market

Undoubtedly, we are still seeing a shift in the employment market to that of a ‘buyers’. In March of this year, Charities Institute recorded that 79% of organisations were struggling to hire, as there is an oversaturation of roles on offer in the sector. Increasingly, nonprofits find their talent being poached by the corporate organisation with a higher profile, higher pay, better pensions and employment guarantee. ‘When Charity Staff leave an organisation, 62% move out of the charity sector altogether’. Restricted funded organisation, the likes of section 39’s, find themselves losing staff due to better benefits elsewhere. Rising Inflation prices are also a consistent concern that is being felt across sectors. According to the Irish Times, ‘Prices in Ireland rose an estimated 9.6 per cent in the year to July’. With inflation, security and burnout becoming increasingly prevalent worries for staff, do organisations need to start putting emphasis on other non-monetary supports, such as non-paid benefits? 

Staff Retention and Non-Paid Benefits

In the wake of the 2008 Recession, employees working in the nonprofit sector, along with other sectors in the economy, experienced pay cuts and/or pay freezes, worked shorter hours and/or took on extra work for reduced pay. HSE funded organisations saw a funding-cut that has seen organisations recovering to only 70% of pre-recession funds. Staff were left feeling undervalued, underpaid and with a lack of career progression. This caused unforeseen difficulties for organisations, despite their team’s dedication to the mission, they struggled to retain staff due to budget cuts. With inflation on the rise and economic advisors throwing around the word ‘recession’, we can learn from here to get our cards in order in a proactive manner to protect both our organisations and staff. 

Flexibility in Post- Covid Working Environment

Non-paid Benefits Staff Retention 2into3

In analysis of The Community Foundation’s National Guide to pay and benefits in community, voluntary & charitable sector 2019, some obvious areas for consideration are apparent. ‘Flexibility’, is an element of the report in a post-covid working environment that can be easily addressed by your organisation. Remote and Hybrid policies are essential for providing work/life balance to staff. Though it may seem like an obvious standard to have in place, many companies are enforcing return to work policies. It is important to ask the following questions before proceeding with enforcing new policies. Would your staff prefer to work from home or have flexible working hours instead? Could you offer more days of annual leave to your staff? Do you offer income protection, death in service or have sick leave policy in place that is higher than the statutory amount? Do you offer a pension contribution to all staff or just the most senior of the team?  

There are also certain statutory requirements that could be considered non-paid benefits that your team aren’t aware of. If you have a human resource function, this could be easily bridged by explaining, for example, how to avail of a tax saver public transport ticket or how to get onto the bike to work scheme. If you have a generous maternity or paternity leave policy in place or provide service leave for long standing staff, are your employees or candidates aware of this? Do you provide any educational assistance in the form of study leave or monetary assistance to any or all staff? Could you provide a lower pension contribution to junior staff at 2% to help all staff with long- term financial planning? 

Reflecting on Your Organisations’ Benefits

Non-paid benefits Staff Retention 2into3

As The Wheel & The Community Foundation for Ireland compile their most recent research into the non-paid benefits of the nonprofit sector for 2022, it is as good a time as ever to question your organisation’s benefits and career progression structures. What are your staff struggling with and which non-paid benefits are they seeking? Is your organisation large enough to have a Human Resources function? If not, do your board members have capacity to provide that support to staff? Do you provide a career mentor service to younger staff for career progression?  

In response to funding uncertainty, you could provide pay scales, simplify pay structures or introduce a Service Award e.g. a payment after ‘x’ number of years to help retain staff. For staff morale, you could introduce ‘staff away’ days or include a staff wellness programme. For attracting junior staff, could you introduce a graduate programme or offer links with third level institutions.  

The two most important takeaways are: to consider your staff and their needs, and be creative in how to support them within your financial limits. In placing your team, however big or small, at the forefront of your organisational culture, you will undoubtedly see more staff retention and attraction of talent. Job insecurity, burnout and inflation are going nowhere anytime soon and non—paid benefits will continue to be at the centre of candidate’s minds where salary no longer becomes the most important element of contract discussions. 

For more information on staff retention, visit our recent ‘Recruitment and Retention’ event summary, or if you’re interested in expanding your team, contact Fergal O’Sullivan for further details on senior recruitment.

Dublin

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Huckletree in The Academy,

42 Pearse St,

Dublin 2,

D02 YX88.

Ph: 01 574 0022

Belfast

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Ormeau Baths,

18 Ormeau Ave,

Belfast

BT2 8HS

Ph: 01 574 0022

Cork

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Republic of Work

12 South Mall

Cork

T12 RD43

Ph: 01 574 0022

Galway

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Portershed

Eyre Square

Galway

H91 HY51

Ph: 01 574 0022

Newry

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The Hub

6 Margaret St

Newry

BT34 1DF

Ph: 01 574 0022

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