Nominations are being sought for the 2010 Irish Philanthropist of the Year Awards. Run by the Community Foundation for Ireland, the awards publicly recognise people whose personal giving has made an outstanding and lasting contribution in their communities and to society. They aim to highlight achievements and inspire others to give and to make a difference.

Now in their fourth year, the awards focus on three categories – Local, National and International Philanthropist of the Year.

Tina Roche, CEO of the Community Foundation says: “The awards recognise extraordinary individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in the area of personal philanthropy and who, through their giving, are bringing about sustainable social change. Philanthropists are people who treat giving like a business investment and they want to see a beneficial return for their money; they want to see real impacts. This is how people can effect true social change from the ground up and we want the awards to be an opportunity to recognise these people; their vision, their achievements and their generosity.”

Nominations are invited from the general public – including community and voluntary organisations, charities, welfare groups, arts and sports bodies, churches and foundations that work in partnership with philanthropists and have knowledge of the value and impact of the contribution and benefit that a donor has made.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 24th September. Forms are available from the Community Foundation website.