May 22, 2013
2into3 have published a report entitled ‘Funding Irish Sport- Can Philanthropy Play a Role’, in collaboration with the Federation of Irish Sport. The Federation, along with a number of other bodies, has called for sport to granted charitable status given that sport meets many of the purposes outlined as charitable in the Charities Act, 2009 including the advancement of community welfare, the promotion of voluntary work, the promotion of health and the integration of those that are disadvantaged. Such a development would also follow similar moves in the United Kingdom where amateur sport now enjoys charitable status.
The existing status quo places sport at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to fundraising and indeed, the sourcing of philanthropic funding when compared to the rest of the not for profit community. The forthcoming National Giving Campaign should provide ample opportunity for sporting organisation to boost their philanthropic income – an opportunity that would be enhanced by the granting of charitable status for sport.
The report details the recent fall off in government investment in sport, makes comparisons with other countries where a tradition of philanthropic support for sport has been established and sets out a number of key recommendations that are detailed below. These include:
1) Fundraising, in particular from philanthropic sources, needs to be increasingly incorporated into funding models. State support and funding for sport should not be relied year on year – in 2011 the ISC received an investment package of €46.87, this decreased to €44.49m in 2012 yet has once again dropped to €43.2m for 2013. Organisations should develop fundraising strategies, in alignment with the needs and nature of their organisation.
2) All sporting organisations should collaborate and argue for the inclusion of sports in the 2009 Charities Act. The “charitable purposes” mentioned in the Act clearly relate to sport, and the potential benefits inclusion could have should be clearly illustrated.
3) There should be some consideration towards setting up a National Sports Foundation. Both the UK and US, among others, have found success in such organisations.
4) Sporting organisations need to play on and utilise national initiatives such as the National Giving Campaign. A clear message needs to be developed as to why sport is a charitable cause, and this message needs to be widely portrayed.
A full copy of the report can be downloaded here
May 20, 2013
INFORMATION
One day to go!
Over 60 Irish sporting organisations and corporate partners are attending the Federation’s inaugural Conference at the Guinness Storehouse tomorrow.
Here is some more information on the event:
Address:
Guinness Storehouse
Level 2, Arrol Suite
St James’ Gate,
Dublin 8
Schedule:
3:00pm Conference commences
(2.45pm Registration)
5:30pm Drinks reception
7:00pm Dinner
Directions to the Guinness Storehouse: there are a number of ways to get to the Guinness Storehouse: on foot, by public transport or car. More detail on each of these options can be found on the Guinness website here
Parking: there is limited parking available in the Crane Street parking lot and on-street parking in the area around the Storehouse – Thomas Street, Echlin Street, Bond Street and Robert Street South.
NB: there are no parking stations in the area open after 7pm.
Access: to the Storehouse is via the public entrance on Market Street. This area is a drop-off zone only. Disabled Access is available beside main entrance on Robert Street.
Ticket: don’t forget to bring your ticket to show on registration and be there at 2.45-3:00pm sharp.
Accommodation: if you need accommodation for the night, contact the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown to take advantage of the Federation’s corporate rate: 01-8977721.
Additional requirements: If you have any dietary or accessibility requirements send them to Stacey at info@irishsport.ie
PARTNERS
The Federation is grateful for the support of the Conference from the our event partners:
BHP Insurances– BHP have been appointed by the Federation to develop and manage a bespoke Insurance Scheme for Federation member organisations, their clubs and individual participants. BHP are an Irish owned insurance broker specialising in the development of Group Insurance Schemes. Since their appointment in 2012 BHP have arranged the insurances for a large and growing number of Federation members.
Coca-Cola Ireland– Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland is Ireland’s leading non-alcoholic drinks company and employs 900 people in the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of a premium range of full, low and zero calorie soft drinks, juices, bottled waters and still beverages. Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland is a founding member of Business in the Community and supports active balanced lifestyles across the island of Ireland at local and national level through an annual programme of sponsorships and corporate social responsibility.
Diageo Ireland– In 2012 Diageo Ireland donated over €1m to charities, community groups and social entrepreneurs across Ireland through initiatives such as the Arthur Guinness Fund, Gifted, and Double Your Fundraising. In addition to this, Diageo Ireland supports many community and sporting organisations and events in Ireland.
IPB Insurance– ipb.ie- As a wholly Irish owned and managed general insurance company, IPB Insurance is proud to be the leading insurer in protecting local communities across the length and breadth of Ireland. We serve local authorities and national government bodies as well as underwriting risk for private commercial businesses, expert representative bodies and associations. IPB is an award winning insurance company and official underwriter to Irish Sport through the FIS Group Insurance scheme.
Shared Access– Shared Access invest in the development and ownership of shared wireless communications infrastructure on grass roots Sports Clubs across the Country, bringing great site locations to our Mobile Network Operator customers, and the benefits of significant investment into national communities. Visit our website for more information.
EXHIBITORS
The Federation is also delighted that a number of businesses have committed to exhibit at the conference, evidence of the important role sport plays in Ireland’s business life:
Auxilion– is an IT support and cloud transformation company. We take over our clients’ end-to-end IT support function and deliver an enhanced support service for end users through the Auxilion Virtual Service Desk. Clients include Mainstream Renewable Power, All Water Systems, I.T. Alliance Group and the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA) where we provide IT support services for 18 Irish sporting bodies. Visit our website for more information on Auxilion, our 24×7 support service and other services.
CI Structures Ltd- is a Manufacturers Representative for the Sprung building system which is effectively a substitute for conventional bricks and mortar. CI Structures can offer assistance to interested parties for the purchase or lease of a Sprung building and also offers a full planning, design, supply, erection and fit out service to clients – a turnkey service – for the Spung building system.
Crowne Plaza Hotel– The Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown is a luxurious four star hotel, located at the Blanchardstown Centre, just minutes from the National Sports Campus. With 188 rooms and 14 meeting rooms accommodating up to a maximum of 600 delegates, the hotel is perfectly suited for meetings, conferences, events and gala dinners.
McSport– have been supplying sporting equipment to Irish sportsmen and women for over 25 years and prides itself in selecting only the finest sports goods from around the world. McSport stocks a wide range of easy-to-use sports gear that will keep everyone from the seasoned sportsman to the amateur kitted out. View the product range on our website.
FutureFit– passionately believes in the importance of sport, but recognise that without tackling the issue of sustainability and cutting energy costs sport at all levels faces the possibility of becoming a pastime for the select few, rather than the community as a whole. FutureFit achieves this through training and education and innovative energy efficiency technology and finance. Contact Paul O’Connor on 0863433368 or paul@futurefit.ie for further information.
MyClubFinances.com- is an integrated communications and fundraising Internet platform for sports organisations. There are currently over 700 sports clubs and NGB’s in Ireland using our low cost, 100% money back guaranteed system, to make their lives easier and their management, fundraising and communications more effective – ask us how and we can arrange a demonstration. Visit our website for more information.
OSK– established in 1985 are one of Ireland’s leading Accountancy firms and provide a full range of financial and advisory services to clients in a broad range of sectors. OSK are passionate about sport and have a history of providing quality service and advice to Sporting Organisations. OSK’s specialist knowledge of this sector’s financial requirements combined with their practical approach ensures that clients receive expert advice and service.
Print Depot– is a design and print company specialising in making their clients look great in print. One of the most trusted names for print in Ireland, we provide small, medium and large-sized companies with their complete communication requirements. We can design and supply everything from a simple compliments slip to in-store point of sale materials and promotional products.
2into3– are Ireland’s specialist advisors and capacity builders for the not-for-profit sector. We work with social sector leaders and collaborate with partners to help scale impact, develop sustainability, build leadership and innovate. For more information about the work of 2into3 visit our website
Spend some time with our partners and exhibitors to understand more about their business and what they could do for you. The exhibition space will be located just after the registration desk inside the Arrol Suite.
OTHER BUSINESSES ATTENDING THE EVENT
Leman Solicitors– is corporate law firm based in Dublin 4 which are specialists in Sports Law. They are the Irish Sports Law Firm of the Year, 2011 and 2013. They represent NGB’s clubs and athletes and are experienced in corporate structuring, governance, complaints and discipline, arbitration and sponsorship. For more information see our website or contact Larry Fenelon on 016393000.
May 14, 2013
Triathlon Ireland has announced Diabetes Ireland as the sporting organisations first ever official charity partner.
Triathlon Ireland is the National Governing Body for the sport of triathlon, aquathlon and duathlon in Ireland. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and that growth is mirrored in Ireland where membership is up by over 800% since 2005. Membership is once again on the rise in 2013 with numbers expected to top 8000 this season.
“We feel our charity partnership with Diabetes Ireland is the perfect match. It is well documented that a healthy, active lifestyle can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. If triathlon can be an avenue for more people to stay fit and active than we are achieving one of our major objectives. Our network of over 80 clubs are always delighted to welcome new members and there are numerous ‘try a tri’ events aimed at those new to the sport, so there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to dip their toe in some swim, bike and run action.” commented Triathlon Ireland Development Officer, Scott Graham.
Since 1967, Diabetes Ireland is the national charity dedicated to helping people with diabetes. It achieves this by providing support, education and motivation to all people affected by diabetes. The organisation also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds Irish based research into finding a cure for diabetes.
Diabetes Ireland CEO Kieran O’Leary said, “This announcement is great news for Diabetes Ireland as we embark on a new phase in our development and growth. We are moving to new head offices next month which will be accompanied by the opening of our own Diabetes Screening Service Clinic and funds raised through this partnership which will be ring-fenced to aid fit out costs of this new clinic”.
Triathlon Ireland will be encouraging their members and participants to wear the purple jersey of TEAM Diabetes Ireland and fundraise for the charity in one of a number of focused triathlons across the year, these include but not limited to TriAthy, Triathlone and Dublin City Triathlon. Both parties will also have a strong presence on each other’s websites in addition to cross promotion across social media and digital newsletters.
Triathlon Ireland’s Chris Kitchen commented, “As the recently appointed CEO of Triathlon Ireland I look forward to attending as many events as possible this season and seeing the presence of Team Diabetes athletes around the country. All of the funds raised go to a very worthy cause helping those affected by Diabetes along with raising awareness and funding research into a cure.”
As part of the partnership a special reduced introductory membership rate to Diabetes Ireland will be offered to all Triathlon Ireland Members and their immediate family. Membership of Diabetes Ireland provides many benefits, both educational and financial to the Diabetes Community and their families.
Diabetes Ireland Brand Partnerships & Events Manager Gary Brady said, “We have just recently announced our first TEAM Diabetes Ireland ambassadors which include Limerick professional cyclist Stephen Clancy who has Type1 Diabetes and is a member of Team NovoNordisk (All members have Type 1 Diabetes) on the international circuit and he will be writing online blogs to include cycling tips and techniques which we hope will be beneficial to triathletes through this link up as well as holding a cycling training clinic later in the summer. Hopefully this announcement is just the first of a number of such sporting partnerships over the coming years for us here at Diabetes Ireland.”
Stephen Clancy is currently racing in the USA so was unable to make the launch.
