News
Down Syndrome Ireland is the voice of people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. We provide a wide range of vital services that enhance the lives of thousands of children and adults with Down syndrome. With only 18% State funding, we rely on the generosity of people like you and really do appreciate any amount that you can afford to donate.
Thank you so much for your support!
Other Ways to Donate
How to Lodge Funds
If you’ve completed a fundraiser or collected donations for Down Syndrome Ireland, firstly we’d like to sincerely thank you. Your funds will help us to make a huge difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome.
Below you’ll find a guide on how to lodge your funds.
How to lodge funds raised?
Please bank your funds within 4 weeks of your event so your hard earned donations can get to work straight away.
Online Fundraising
If you are raising funds online, the donations are automatically transferred to us monthly so you don’t have to worry about lodging your funds.
Website
Visit https://downsyndrome.ie/donate/ and use our online form to submit your funds raised using your credit or debit card.
Cheque/Bank Draft
Drop a cheque or bank draft in the post with your name and address. Our address is Down Syndrome Ireland, Unit 3, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin D12 HP70
Due to new banking procedures all cheques must be made out to Down Syndrome Ireland. Please write any further information on the back of the cheque.
Bank Transfer
Make a bank transfer online or lodge any cash donations by bank with the details below. Please make sure to include your name in the details of the transfer.
Bank AIB
Address Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2
Name Down Syndrome Ireland
IBAN IE75 AIBK 93101217850076
BIC AIBKIE2D
Post Office
If you lodge your funds in a post office, please email accounts@downsyndrome.ie to let us know the date, amount and post office location of your lodgement. These donations are transferred to us anonymously from An Post and we want to be able to acknowledge your amazing generosity!
On behalf of all those who will benefit from your kindness – Thank You!
In Memory and Legacy Giving
In Memory Giving
In memory giving is a special and touching way to remember a loved one and to celebrate their life. Many families like to support a charity close to them by asking people to make a donation in lieu of flowers at a funeral. You can let people know this by including a request in the death notice of your loved one. For example:
“We kindly request donations in lieu of flowers to Down Syndrome Ireland. Donations can be made online at www.downsyndrome.ie”
Holding a collection at a funeral or memorial service is another meaningful way to pay tribute. Alternatively, you may make a one-off donation in memory of a loved one online here or by calling (01) 4266500.
Legacy Giving
We all know how important it is to have a will in place to make sure that your wishes are carried out when you’re gone. When writing a will, and once loved ones are looked after, many people choose to leave a gift, or bequest, to a charity close to their heart.
By leaving a legacy gift, you can help your chosen charity to continue their work into the future. Our hope is that you will consider leaving a gift in your will to Down Syndrome Ireland which will help to enhance the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome for generations to come. It will cost you nothing now but your donation, no matter how big or small, will make an invaluable difference in the future.
What you will need
All you will need for your solicitor is the Down Syndrome Ireland address:
Down Syndrome Ireland, Unit 3, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin D12 HP70
Charity Number 20010164
CHY 6062
There are three ways in you can leave a gift to a charity in your will:
- A residuary bequest. This means the remainder or part of the remainder of your estate is bequeathed to your charity of choice once all of your family and loved ones have been taken care of.
- A pecuniary bequest. This is a specific sum of money you would like to donate your chosen charity from your estate. You can ask for this donation amount to be index-linked to ensure its value remains the same over time.
- A specific gift of property e.g. jewellery, household items, a building or shares.
Your solicitor will be able to give you advice on which option best suits your wishes and personal circumstances.
Below, we answer common questions about leaving a legacy:
How do I make a will?
You can make a will at any stage of your life. You don’t have to be sick or getting older to make a one and the peace of mind you’ll gain from having a valid will in place can be a great comfort. We suggest contacting your solicitor who’ll be able to give you professional advice based on your personal circumstances and answer any questions you might have. If you don’t have a solicitor of choice, contact the Law Society of Ireland for a list of solicitors in your area.
I want to leave a legacy but I’ve already made my will. Can I change it?
It’s important you review your will regularly, particularly if there is a significant change in your circumstances like getting married, buying a new house, having baby or are about to retire. Even if you have an existing will, it can be changed to include a legacy to the charity of your choice. This change is called a “codicil” and can be easily drawn up by your solicitor.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information about why your legacy gift is important to us, contact our Fundraising Manager Lauren McCarthy on (01) 4266500 or laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie. We would love to hear from you!
Wedding Favours
Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life and one you will always remember. As you consider menu options, flowers and colour schemes, you can make your day even more special by choosing a charitable donation in lieu of traditional wedding favours.
By making a donation to Down Syndrome Ireland you will be helping to make a difference to people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. In return for your donation, we will send you our unique wedding favour cards which are a beautiful addition to your table and a unique and meaningful way of thanking your guests for sharing your special day.
These cards will let your guests know that you have made a charitable donation to support our work in their honour and they can still have a special keepsake from your day. Cards are available in two sizes, one a tented business card size which can be placed at each guest setting or alternatively an A6 tent card which can be placed per table.
Our suggested donation by order quantity is as follows:
Place cards per setting (tented business card size)
- Up to 100 cards €150
- Up to 150 cards €200
- Up to 200 cards €250
Place cards per table (A6 size)
- Up to 10 cards €100
- Up to 20 cards €120
- Up to 30 cards €150
Down Syndrome Ireland would be honoured to be a part of your special day.
To find out more about our wedding favours or to place an order, contact our Fundraising Manager, Lauren McCarthy on 086 197 5424 or laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie
Donations in Lieu of Gifts
We don’t expect gifts when we have a celebration but when was the last time you went to a party and didn’t bring a gift? We all do it.
If you’re hosting a party or celebration with friends and family and you’d like to do something a little different, perhaps you would consider asking your guests to make a charitable donation in lieu of a gift. From birthday celebrations to anniversaries, graduations to retirements or even communions and confirmations – donations can be made in your name or at your special event and they are a fantastic way to give back and make a meaningful difference.
We can help you to let everyone know that you are raising funds to support the work of Down Syndrome Ireland by providing you with balloons and posters for your event.
To make it as easy as possible you can simply create an online fundraising page with iDonate or Facebook which you can then share with your family, friends, and colleagues to support your fundraising efforts.
Down Syndrome Ireland would love to share in your celebration so contact us today and let’s start planning. To find out more please call our Fundraising Manager, Lauren McCarthy on 086 197 5424 or laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie
A transformational partnership with shared purpose
Our team can work with you to create a partnership based on a shared purpose. By aligning our shared values and business goals, we can maximise our positive impact on the communities we serve.
A corporate partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland can support your company’s strategic objectives, including enhanced employee engagement, advancement of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion initiatives, and improvements in staff retention and customer loyalty.
We will work with you to create a bespoke partnership plan that aligns with your company’s objectives.
What we can offer you
- On-site talks to engage your employees in the work we do.
- Access to our fundraising materials – everything from collection tins and banners to t-shirts and running vests.
- Access to our logo for your company literature and social media channels.
- Promotion of fundraising events and achievements on our website and social media channels.
- Regular newsletters and content from Down Syndrome Ireland for you to share internally.
- Account Management: a dedicated member of our team that is there for you.
Our Corporate Partners
Annual Fundraising Events
Taking part in an event
Are you up for a challenge? Put on your runners, tighten those laces and get ready to push your limits!
Join Team Down Syndrome Ireland when you run a marathon or mini marathon and help raise much needed funds to support our work.
First things first, register for the event
Check out the popular marathons and challenges for you to consider below. Once you register, you will be directed to an online fundraising page, make sure to choose Down Syndrome Ireland as your charity.
- Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon – https://www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie/
- Dublin City Marathon – https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/
- Overseas Marathons – https://www.realbuzz.com/charities/down-syndrome-ireland
Your next step is to register with us and receive your fundraising pack
To register for your free t-shirt and snood, simply contact Lauren our Fundraising Manager on 086 197 5424 or email laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie
Host your own fundraiser
Thank you for choosing to host an event for Down Syndrome Ireland. We really appreciate your support.
Organising your own fundraising event is fun and rewarding and can make a real difference to those with Down syndrome and their families. We’ve put together some simple tips to help guide you through the process of creating your own fundraising event.
How it works?
Choose your event
Breakfast morning, sponsored challenge, quiz night, parachute jump – it’s up to you!
Fundraise
Set up an online fundraising page with iDonate. Please make sure to choose Down Syndrome Ireland as your charity.
Host your event
Promote it on your socials, take pictures, invite friends, family and colleagues to support you. Remember you are doing something amazing for people with Down syndrome.
Lodge your funds
Your funds will help us to make a huge difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome. There are plenty of ways to lodge your funds. If you raised funds online, these will be automatically transferred to Down Syndrome Ireland, so you don’t need to do a thing.
Fundraising Guidelines
Important Information
The event must be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws.
Down Syndrome Ireland is happy to offer advice and guidance for coordinating your event, however, the overall running of the event, including expenses, record keeping and management is ultimately the Fundraiser’s responsibility.
Do I need insurance?
Down Syndrome Ireland’s insurance cannot extend to volunteer events – therefore it is advisable to seek independent insurance advice.
Do I need a permit?
If you are collecting money from the public, you will require a permit from an Garda Síochána which must be obtained from your local Garda Station. We will advise you on what you need to do. All individuals engaged in public/street collections on behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland must be identifiable as collecting on behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland. This should include the wearing of branded t-shirts or bibs, name badges and appropriately branded collection buckets.
Can the charity cover the costs of my challenge event?
Fundraising activities, which include taking part in a challenge event, should state clearly that the funds being raised are for the purposes of that event and state what portion of the funds will go towards paying for the event. This ensures that those who contribute understand if any of the monies will go towards the cost of the challenge. This also helps avoid any misunderstanding about how much of the funds raised will reach Down Syndrome Ireland.
Raffles
If you are organising a raffle where tickets are to be sold other than to your guests, you should contact us for advice as you may need a permit. All lotteries must comply with the law.
Door-to-door calls are only permissible if you know the residents and should be made during daylight hours.
Can I fundraise for more than one charity?
If you are fundraising for more than one charity, details for all the charities should appear on all promotional materials and donors should be made aware of how the proceeds will be shared among the different charities.
Disclaimer
We want you to enjoy your fundraising activities and stay safe! Down Syndrome Ireland can accept no liability for any loss, damage or injury caused during the event you undertake. Down Syndrome Ireland’s insurance does not cover property or the property of your helpers and guests, nor does it cover your personal liability for any injury suffered by yourself or your event participants. Remember to use common sense when it comes to health and safety. Where food is involved, please take care and work to ensure safe preparation, storage and cooking. Please follow good hygiene practices.
For more information
If you’d like to discuss fundraising event ideas with us, get in touch with our Fundraising Manager, Lauren McCarthy at laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie
School Fundraising
Thank you for choosing to host an event for Down Syndrome Ireland in your school or class. We really appreciate the support from you, your staff and students.
Hosting an event in your school is a great way to do something rewarding and kind to benefit others. It also helps teach children and young people about the importance of diversity and inclusion. We’ve put together some simple tips to help guide you through the process of creating your own fundraising event. You can make a real difference to those with Down syndrome and their families.
How it works?
Choose your event
Whether it’s a coffee morning in the staff room, dress up day, non-uniform day, a bake sale or sports event – the event is completely up to you!
Fundraise
It’s always advisable to set up an online fundraising page with iDonate. That way parents and staff can easily contribute if they don’t carry cash. Please make sure to choose Down Syndrome Ireland as your charity on iDonate. However, we understand most school fundraisers may only accept cash donations. Whatever is most suitable for you and your school is best.
Host your event
Promote it on your socials and on Aladdin or school app, and invite staff, students and parents to support you. Remember you are doing something amazing for people with Down syndrome. Make sure to take some pictures on the day (with consent of course).
Lodge your funds
Your funds will help us to make a huge difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome. There are plenty of ways to lodge your funds. If you raised funds online, these will be automatically transferred to Down Syndrome Ireland, so you don’t need to do a thing.
How to lodge your funds
If you’ve completed a fundraiser or collected donations for Down Syndrome Ireland, firstly we’d like to sincerely thank you. Your funds will help us to make a huge difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome.
Below you’ll find a guide on how to lodge your funds.
How to lodge funds raised?
Please bank your funds within 4 weeks of your event so your hard-earned donations can get to work straight away.
Online Fundraising
If you are raising funds online, the donations are automatically transferred to us monthly, so you don’t have to worry about lodging your funds.
Website
Visit our website and submit your funds raised using your card. We also have Apple and Google pay to make the donation process seamless.
Cheque/Bank Draft
Drop a cheque or bank draft in the post with your name and address, and send to:
Down Syndrome Ireland, Unit 3, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin D12 HP70
Due to new banking procedures, all cheques must be made out to Down Syndrome Ireland. Please write any further information on the back of the cheque.
Bank Transfer
Make a bank transfer online or lodge any cash donations with the details below. Please make sure to include your name in the details of the transfer.
Bank: AIB
Address: Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2
Name: Down Syndrome Ireland
IBAN: IE75 AIBK 93101217850076
BIC: AIBKIE2D
Post Office
If you lodge your funds in a post office, please email accounts@downsyndrome.ie to let us know the date, amount and post office location of your lodgement. These donations are transferred to us anonymously from An Post and we want to be able to acknowledge your amazing generosity.
On behalf of all those who will benefit from your kindness
Thank You!