Israeli Philanthropy Up 21% 2009-2011

Israelis contributed NIS 5.7 billion in 2011, up from NIS 4.1 billion in 2009, to nonprofit organizations in Israel. This according to a just released report by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Committed to Give and Yad Hanadiv. The same report indicates foreign donations increased 10% during the period. This is the first ever mapping of philanthropy in Israel by the CBS.

According to the CBS definition, philanthropy includes donations from households and companies in Israel and abroad to nonprofit / non-governmental organizations in Israel.

The breakdown shows 71% of donations came from individuals, 27% from companies and 2% from estates.

As to the recipients: 39% of donations were given to welfare NGOs; 20% to educational and research institutes; 15% to religious institutes; 13% to voluntary and general charities; 6% to environmental, human rights, aid, workers and housing NGOs; 4% to culture, entertainment and sports; and 3% to healthcare NGOs. No individuals contributed to any healthcare NGOs, yet 51% of donations from estates were directed to that area.