The ultimate guide to non-profit and volunteer organizations in Israel, Giving Wisely by Eliezer Jaffe, is an indispensable sourcebook for the donor to Israeli organizations.
Before you send funds to a non-profit organization in Israel, make sure you know the facts.

A pioneer in the management of non-profit organizations in Israel, Eliezer Jaffe began working with children at risk when he moved to Israel in 1960. Shortly after, he segued into the non-profit sector, which was "a non-field" at the time. Today, he teaches at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which offers a Masters degree in the management of non-profit organizations.

"As Israel moves from a post-socialist economy to a market economy the government is seeking to farm out more services to the non-profit sector. In fact, today government contracts provide close to 60% of the income to the non-profit sector," said Jaffe. "This means that people will pl ay an increasingly important role in how much and which services are delivered to those in need."

According to Jaffe, Israelis give more money per capita to non-profits than Americans. "Israelis tend to give directly to service organizations rather than to a central appeal. They are very close to the action. They know how and where they want to give their money," says Jaffe. "Israelis also give a tremendous amount of their time, volunteering is huge in Israel."

Jaffe is one of those involved Israelis. Together with some acquaintances, Jaffe formed the Israel Free Loan Society. Modeled after the Hebrew free loan programs in the United States, the organization provides interest free loans to people in need. To date, the society has loaned $16 million since it first opened its doors in 1990. The program started by lending $20,000 to new immigrants from Ethiopia and the CIS. Today the Israel Free Loan Society lends funds to immigrants as well as to Israelis for a variety of needs.

When you are considering where to donate, "Look into your own hearts, and discover which causes interest you," suggests Jaffe. Then seek out the organization that represents your interests.

He suggests a few additional pointers:

When you chose an organization, earmark your donation for a specific project within the organization.

This donation is an investment; treat the organization like you would a for-profit business.

Consider the donation a partnership. Meet the people who administer the services and the organization.

Jaffe further advises that your relationship with a donor organization ought to be a fulfilling one, in which case both you and the organization stand to gain.

Jaffe's latest project is the recently published book, Giving Wisely. Both the Giving Wisely book and the Giving Wisely searchable database are excellent research tools for the potential donor.

Professor Eliezer Jaffe is Centraide-Jacques Menard Professor for the Study of Volunteering, Non-profit Organizations and Philanthropy at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He received the President of Israel Citation for Outstanding Volunteer, and the Mayor of Jerusalem Award for founding and chairing the Israel Free Loan Association.

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