Call for Investment in Nonprofit Sector to Curb Inequality and Social Discord
The Wheel, the national association of charities, is calling on the government to provide substantial and targeted support for community and voluntary organisations in Budget 2025. The organisation, which represents 2,400 charities and community groups, is urging policymakers to recognise the nonprofit sector's substantial economic contribution and the need for sound investment in voluntary organisations providing public services and community amenities to tackle inequality and promote social cohesion.
“Budget 2025 is the last opportunity for the current Government to demonstrate its support for communities across the country,” said Colette Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Research at The Wheel. “The 2020 Programme for Government committed to delivering a new Social Contract focused on providing each citizen with accessible and affordable healthcare, housing, education, childcare, disability services, and upskilling, as well as ensuring income adequacy and a dignified retirement. The analysis informing our submission suggests that this commitment has not been met and greater investment is needed in services and infrastructure.”
The Wheel's pre-Budget submission, The Future is Community, outlines key proposals designed to strengthen the nonprofit sector's ability to deliver essential services to communities across Ireland. It makes comprehensive recommendations for the sector across areas including healthcare, housing, social inclusion, and more. The Wheel calls for increased funding and supportive policies to enable the sector's continued impact.
“Along with direct investment in the sector, our pre-Budget submission also makes the case for broader investment in community amenities and supports. This is vital if we are to build an inclusive, supportive society for all. We need housing, healthcare, and anti-poverty measures to ensure that nobody is left on the margins and vulnerable to narratives of division and hate,” said Colette Bennett.
"A budget that supports nonprofits is a budget that invests in Ireland's economic and social future," Colette Bennett concluded.
Support The Wheel's Budget 2025 Campaign