St. Patrick’s Day with Purpose

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By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , , ,

When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of green beer and shamrocks come to mind. But in Pittsburgh, the holiday takes on a deeper meaning through The Ireland Funds‘ annual Pittsburgh Gala.

Founded in 1976 by Pittsburgh businessmen Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tony O’Reilly (former CEO of H.J. Heinz Co.), The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for causes in Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.

This year’s “Green Tie” Pittsburgh Gala, held on March 17, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium’s UPMC Club, raised more than $700,000. The event honored Chip Ganassi, who received The Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, and Evan Frazier, who was awarded The Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for his work in the Pittsburgh region.

The gala featured creative auction packages including “Touchdown in Ireland”—a trip to watch the Steelers play at Dublin’s Croke Park—and “Chase the Checkered Flag”—an Indianapolis 500 experience with Chip Ganassi Racing.

While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with revelry, The Ireland Funds offers an alternative: a celebration that honors Irish heritage while creating tangible positive change through support for education, arts, peace initiatives, and community development.

Year-End Giving: A Win-Win for Donors and Nonprofits

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By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , , , , , ,

As December draws to a close, the spirit of giving reaches its peak, creating a powerful opportunity for both donors and nonprofit organizations. This surge in charitable giving isn’t just about holiday goodwill—it’s a strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

For donors, the advantages of year-end giving are significant. Making charitable contributions before December 31st allows individuals to claim valuable tax deductions, potentially reducing their taxable income for the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs during this period, effectively doubling the impact of donations. Additionally, those with IRAs can benefit from charitable rollovers that count toward required minimum distributions while supporting causes they care about.

Leading organizations showcase the effectiveness of strategic year-end campaigns. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises over $100 million. It demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work together, combining their familiar bell ringers with modern payment options like QR codes and mobile giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign reached the $1 billion milestone last year with the money going to support their work to advance research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They transparently show donors the real-life impact of different gift levels and share stories of the children they serve.

Many nonprofits rely heavily on this season of generosity, with approximately 30% of annual giving in the US occurring in December alone. This concentrated period of giving helps organizations meet their annual budget goals, ensuring they can maintain and expand their vital programs in the coming year. The increased visibility during year-end campaigns also helps organizations attract new supporters and strengthen relationships with existing donors.

The timing couldn’t be better for creating meaningful impact. The holiday season can inspire reflection and gratitude, making people more inclined to support causes they care about. Whether honoring loved ones through memorial gifts, establishing a giving tradition, or simply sharing the joy of the season, end-of-year giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in communities.