The Arts Council is delighted to confirm the selection of the 5 Tier 1 organisations and 15 Tier 2 organisations to participate in Phase 2 of the very successful RAISE programme.

The Arts Council’s RAISE programme is focused on growing private investment to the arts in Ireland by embedding a culture of sustainable philanthropy and private investment across participating organisations. The programme was launched to develop the fundraising capability for arts organisations by delivering the skills and resources to build robust, sustainable organisations.

The 5 chosen Tier 1 organisations (Irish Chamber Orchestra, Druid Theatre, Children's Books Ireland, Irish Film Institute and Dublin Theatre Festival) demonstrated that they have robust organisational structures, strong fundraising propositions, clear marketing plans and the internal capacity, leadership and board buy-in to ensure the development of impactful private investment/philanthropy strategies. They will now participate in 5 group workshops and 80 hours of bespoke organisational support will be given to each selected organisation. Financial support will also be provided towards the salary of an appropriate fundraising resource.

The 15 Tier 2 organisations (Fishamble: The New Play Company, Cork International Film Festival, The Ark, Irish Traditional Music Archive, Graphic Studio Dublin, Baboro International Arts Festival for Children, Grafitti Theatre Company, Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, Irish Theatre Institute, Access Cinema, Wexford Arts Centre, Kilkenny Arts Centre, Galway Arts Centre, Corcadorca Theatre Company, Clonmel Junction Arts Festival) demonstrated a commitment to developing private investment fundraising programmes in the medium to long-term, have demonstrated some level of effort to secure donor income and have a clear, robust organisational structure and strategy. Tier 2 organisations will receive quarterly group training workshops, 15 hours of individual mentoring and support as well as full access to online fundraising support tools.

Our delivery partner, O’Kennedy Consulting will work with each Tier 1 organisation to develop tailored fundraising plans which are suitable to the organisation’s unique requirements and will deliver the comprehensive workshops and associated mentoring to both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 organisations.

Martin O'Sullivan , Deputy Director and Company Secretary