Research Programs

Data Lab

We believe that effective grantmaking and fundraising practices, informed public policy, and fertile public discussions on the value of giving - each necessitate both robust data and empirical research. Dearth in comprehensive and consistent data on giving in Israel has prompted ILP, in the past years, to nudge different authorities to better collect, verify and provide data on giving to NPI’s in Israel. Furthermore, ILP has led various independent data-collection-research, to examine trends in local household and corporate giving and in foreign giving to Israel.

To advance this line of practice, we have established the first of its kind “Philanthropy Data-lab” for giving in Israel. Via the data-lab endeavors we aim at promoting improvements in public data-collecting infrastructures; Conducting compilation of aggregate data from available yet raw sources; And initiating empirical research on understudied topics.

While we are committed to high standards of research, we are also committed to presenting our works and insights in a comprehensible manner so that knowledge can be widely and easily consumed.  

Institutional Philanthropy and Foundations in Israel

Uncovering the profile and role of institutional philanthropy in Israel, this research aims to better understand the modes of action and guiding perceptions of philanthropic foundations, and their impact in the socio-economic spheres.

The research combines 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 is to begin to map philanthropy within a framework that allows international comparison and aggregation.

Our research investigates the operational strategies, decision making processes and various organizational aspects of philanthropic foundations operating in Israel. It also examines 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 includes 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 will lay the foundations for much-needed platform for transparency and shared knowledge on institutional philanthropy, and shed light on its impact on the NPO sector and civil society.

Regulatory Studies of the Blurring Boundaries of Philanthropy

Corporate Responsibility and Philanthropy - In collaboration with NALSAR University, Hyderabad, India, Dr. Neha Pathakji and with the Corporate Social Responsibility Institute, Dr. Liad Ortar. The study follows the Mandatory CSR Law and Regulations in India, their practical implementation and their theoretical implications bridging CSR, Philanthropy and Tax law,  all laying the foundations for a discussion of legislation that imposes a duty to donate.

Social Considerations in Urban Renewal in Israel - Between philanthropy and impact investments - in collaboration with the Israel Affordable Housing Center (Hagar), the new study examines the regulation required in the transition from philanthropic support for urban renewal to models of impact investments in this field.