Focus Ireland
Inspiring, determined, and above all results-driven, the incredible achievements in fundraising and philanthropy of Focus Ireland’s Eilish Corcoran, deserve to be recognised. 

Despite the many worthy nominees, we’re delighted that Eilish has been chosen as 2019’s Professional Fundraiser of the Year. 

No matter how long you’ve been in fundraising… It’s people like Eilish that keep us inspired… 

With her collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, Eilish champions development and continuous training of her brilliant team. And she leads by example with a personal commitment to both formal training and constant personal research to make sure she stays fresh and innovative in her work. 

It’s easy to become stuck in a cycle of ‘that’s how we do things here’. But Eilish is constantly appraising and improving processes, communication between her team, and their approach to donor stewardship. 

Under Eilish’s leadership, her team has exceeded all their fundraising targets. In some cases raising more than double their goals!

But it’s not just her team who benefits from Eilish’s fundraising wisdom and experience…

Eilish researched, designed and implemented a three-month induction programme for her team that was so successful it’s now being implemented across all teams.

She has played a central role in breaking down silos, helping to bring the fundraising teams and leadership toward a more holistic approach which puts donors at the heart of all they do. 

She has distinguished herself as a unifying and inspirational leader both within Focus Ireland and across our sector. Her strategic long-term thinking is underpinned by attention to those little details which make a donor stewardship programme sing. 

Eilish’s commitment to the highest professional standards, consistently stellar fundraising results and continuous learning are the very definition of excellence in fundraising. Well done, Eilish!