Private sector support for not-for-profits needed – English

Fine Gael TD for Meath West and the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English, is urging the private sector to provide greater support for innovation in the not for profit sector.

Minister English said that innovation is critical if we are to address the many social problems facing the country.

“The not for profit sector in Ireland is making a huge contribution to both Irish society and the Irish economy. The recent Social Entrepreneur Ireland Awards showcased some of the innovation which is helping to drive change in the not for profit sector. To give just one example, a new start up, Food Cloud are linking charities which need food, and businesses with excess supplies using technology and thereby reducing costs for both charities and businesses.

“In Ireland a staggering one million tonnes of food is wasted annually, in fact Ireland has the fifth highest level of food waste in Europe. Food Cloud can help to tackle some of that excess and ensure that food goes to those who need it most.

“Another example of a company working innovatively with the not for profit sector is the law firm Matheson which partnered with the Funding Network to showcase four new Irish Charities to an audience of donors. This event raised over €63,000 of much needed funds and €43,000 in services. The real value of events such as these is not just the money raised but the connections generated between the charities and business people who can provide not only funding, but skills and business expertise, to help these organisations.

“It would be great to see more examples of companies partnering with charities to deliver innovation and build a better Ireland. As our economic revival continues, this Government can and will do more, but the Government on its own cannot solve the type of problems we face.”