The St Patrick's Day Trust

Something we are aiming for...

The goal of the St Patrick's Day Trust is to harness the celebrations of the world's favourite Patron Saint to help overcome poverty and alienation wherever it is found. By harnessing the creativity of our local and national communities up to and during our yearly festivities, our desire is see Saint Patrick's Day become one of the most significant community and charitable fundraising events in the world's annual calendar.

The basic elements of the Trust are as follows:

"17 for the 17th" will be our basic fundraising campaign for charities working both locally and overseas. From February 17th to March 17th, schools, businesses, sports teams, community groups and individuals will be encouraged to raise an average of seventeen euros (or dollars, etc.) per person (per school, per business, per club etc.) in order to help us towards an annual target for the fund of seventeen million. All monies raised will be allocated in a non-sectarian basis to approved charities and organisations (including those who organise and develop St Patrick’s Day celebrations themselves) working to support those impacted by poverty, alienation or oppression. At least 50% of the funding available will be allocated to those working in the developing world.

The St Patrick Gala will be a live, televised event showcasing the best of Irish culture and talent, highlighting some of the major projects supported by the Trust. It will also serve as the closing event to each year’s endeavour and as the platform on which to present the national and international ‘Spirit of St Patrick’ Awards.

‘Fire on the Mountain’: Whilst the SPF will need significant help from individuals and larger funding bodies in its start-up phase, our hope is to become increasingly self-funding though the creation of two spectacular artistic events, based on Patrick’s life, that will tour in Ireland and around the world.