Industry Insights: Bridging the Gap: How Ireland’s Funds Industry is Driving Educational Change

Educational disadvantage remains one of Ireland’s most pressing challenges and addressing it requires more than government intervention, it demands collaboration across sectors. For the past decade, basis.point has championed this cause, uniting the funds industry to create sustainable change in education.

“We never wanted to be a quick fix; our goal was sustainable change. That requires big investment and a long-term commitment,” says Edel O’Malley, CEO of basis.point.

Corporate Engagement Beyond Donations

2025 marked a turning point in how corporate partners engage. Financial contributions remain vital, but volunteering has emerged as a cornerstone of impact. This year alone, 340 volunteers from 29 companies contributed over 5,400 hours, bringing creativity and expertise directly to children and young people.

The highlight was basis.point Week, a vibrant celebration of collaboration. Over 20 corporate partners opened their doors and boardrooms to showcase the transformative power of education. From Vanguard’s mentoring stories to BlackRock’s alumni reunions, and Teen-Turn ambassadors inspiring audiences at EY, Maples and Waystone, the week was rich with connection and storytelling. At Caceis, 17-year-old Carla McDonnell wowed attendees with her award-winning innovation, Vax Chill, before heading to New York to claim Ireland’s first World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge title.

Volunteering in Action

Beyond flagship events, partners delivered tangible impact throughout the year. PwC Ireland’s “One Firm, One Day” revitalized community spaces, while teams from Citi, Ogier, and Vanguard rolled out the Sports for Life & Wellbeing programme to 386 first-year students across nine DEIS schools. Two-thirds of participants now aspire to third-level education, a testament to the power of early intervention.

Creativity also played a role. Maples donated 50 monitors to inner-city schools, enhancing digital learning. DAX Restaurant pledged €3 per cover to basis.point, proving generosity can be woven into everyday business. At the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, Amundi’s Long Putt Challenge turned sport into opportunity, with matched donations funding educational programmes.

Impact That Inspires

Numbers matter: €8.25 million raised and 19,500 children supported this year, but stories speak louder. Two stand out:

• Rowan Moore, now a second-year marketing student, began her journey through the Early Learning Initiative’s ParentChild+ programme. With early support and mentorship, she earned a scholarship to Loreto on the Green and now interns at The Tenth Man marketing agency.

• Leona Egan, a Teen-Turn ambassador and Trinity College student, overcame hearing loss and economic disadvantage to pursue a science degree. Her resilience and humour captivated industry leaders at the Annual Spring Lunch, embodying the transformative power of opportunity.

Building for the Future

This year, basis.point strengthened governance, streamlined operations, and welcomed new board members, Alan Meaney (Fund Recs) and Meliosa O’Caoimh (Northern Trust Ireland), to guide its next chapter. Strategic investment and partnerships with 12 educational organisations, including new initiatives like Art in Schools and Engage in Education, ensure alignment with OECD recommendations for early intervention and holistic support.

Every act of engagement, whether mentoring, donating, or hosting a student speaker, reinforces the emotional connection between patronage and impact. When corporate partners invest in education, they don’t just fund programmes; they change lives.

If you are interested in becoming a patron or increasing your annual contribution, please visit our website on www.basispoint.ie or reach out to Edel O’Malley directly.