Through the uncovering of the profile and role of institutional philanthropy in Israel, this program aims to understand the modes of action and guiding perceptions of philanthropic foundations, and their impact in the socio-economic spheres.
The program published a wide descriptive analysis as part of an international collaboration, led by Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, and other research institutions around the world. The objective of this global effort was to begin to map philanthropy within a framework that allows international comparison and aggregation.
Our research investigated the operational strategies, decision making processes and various organizational aspects of philanthropic foundations operating in Israel. It also examined current sociological issues, such as question of gender and philanthropy, and philanthropy's public role within the Israeli socio-political context. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the research also included an inquiry of the various COVID-19 implications on philanthropy, and the ways in which foundations cope with socio-economic crises.
The contribution of the research derives, first and foremost, from generating important knowledge about institutional giving in Israel, and creating an empirical infrastructure – for international comparative research, as well as for future studies of Israeli philanthropy. Furthermore, the research suggests important sociological insights regarding the ways by which major philanthropic institutions react to and influence the Israeli cultural and socio-political environment. Following global trends, it lays the foundations for much-needed platform for transparency and shared knowledge on institutional philanthropy, and sheds light on its impact on the NPI sector and civil society.