Philanthropy

Belfast Charitable Society continues to preserve and promote its historic reputation as a philanthropic organisation. By working with other funders and voluntary organisations, we aim to increased awareness of the society, and Clifton House, through all sectors as a key player in addressing disadvantage today.

The Society facilitates and works with others to challenge and influence policy and decision making and to encourage and promote philanthropy in Northern Ireland. This includes supporting the work of the Funders Forum NI; the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) and the NI Trust Group to allow them space to discuss and promote philanthropy. Our support also includes the facilitation of training and best practice sharing sessions.

Also, by promoting the philanthropic work of the society, we hope to encourage others to give their treasure, talent or time in order to address disadvantage too.

The ‘Families in Philanthropy’ group, established in 2023, is a network of families who regularly donate or grant some of their family wealth to others.

Donations and grants are awarded through a range of mechanisms including direct donations with or without Gift Aid, small family led charitable trusts and more formal private foundations.

All families within the network fully maintain their independence and autonomy for decision making purposes regarding all the family gifting.

The network meets in Clifton House as it has been, and continues to be, the home of philanthropy since 1774. The objectives, ethos and values of this relatively new network reflect the same generosity of the original founders of Clifton House, Belfast Charitable Society.

Purpose

The group exists to allow family members to:

• Share experiences, insights, and best practices in family giving, in a safe and confidential space.
• Support one another in decision-making and governance where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities where collaboration may amplify charitable impact, in terms of financial support and or advice.
• Encourage other families and family members to consider philanthropic giving and to join the group.

Meetings & Information Sessions

• The group will meet twice per year (usually April and November).
• Meetings are held in Clifton House Belfast, but the location can vary as agreed by the members.
• Meetings are informal and minutes or notes optional.
• A convener or coordinator may be agreed upon to help arrange meetings or circulate information.
• Information session will be held at least once per year – the subject matter to agree by family members.

To join the Families in Philanthropy Group or find out more, please contact us at info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk or alternatively contact group member Aidan O’Neill on Aidan.oneill@dldfund.com