Challenges to Effective Philanthropy in Israel and the Unique Role of EPI

In Israel there are thousands of non-profit organizations performing worthwhile services. A particular sector may be served by at least a dozen organizations. How does one identify the program/s that best addresses the issues I value most?

First of all, the interests, values and giving goals of the donor must be clearly defined. This can be achieved through a single discussion, or series of discussions with the donor.

Once the goals are defined, EPI will conduct an assessment of needs, to determine if the specified area of giving is actually feasible and relevant. Then a comprehensive survey of the organizations and programs that are active in the area of interest will be carried out. Furthermore, EPI will evaluate each of the potential organizations according to criteria developed together with the donor.

What if the opposite situation occurs, and there are no existing activities that directly address one’s philanthropic goals?

In our experience, this is a scenario that does occur. The Galilee Small Business Loan Fund is such a case. The donor wished to encourage individual entrepreneurship as a way to stimulate the economy and reinforce the social fabric of the Galilee. Furthermore, he wanted to ensure that his donated funds would make the greatest impact towards his intended goal.

EPI created, tailor-designed and implemented the Galilee Small Business Loan Fund - a new activity that specifically addresses the stated mission. EPI set up an organizational structure that manages the project by evaluating loan applications, monitoring the progress of the loan recipients and reporting regularly to the donor.

How can EPI help donors achieve the best return on their investment?

There are several ways that EPI can help donors make the most impact with their support.

Evaluating potential beneficiary organizations to determine if they are capable of utilizing the funds in the optimal manner
Identifying partners with matching funds, i.e. the State of Israel, additional foundations, to leverage the donor’s investment.
Serve as a local representative to protect the donor’s interests.

Why is representation in Israel important?

In any inter-cultural relationship, discrepancies between expectations, organizational norms, and modes of communication can undermine the best-intentioned efforts. Binny Shalev, who lived half his life in the United States and half in Israel, has an intimate knowledge of both cultures, and is able to bridge between them. He is familiar with the intricacies of Israeli bureaucracies, and, through his network of contacts, is able to work efficiently in the system, in a way that is impossible from long distance. In this way, EPI can prevent the frustration and financial losses associated with poor communication.