New Generation of Israeli Philanthropists Manage Wealth Strategically Instead of Writing Checks
A new generation of Israeli entrepreneurs, primarily from the tech sector, is transforming philanthropy by integrating it into wealth management rather than treating donations as one-time acts. These young founders of software, cyber, and AI companies often achieve significant exits in their 30s or 40s, suddenly managing hundreds of millions of shekels. Maya Natan Mozar, CEO of Keshet Foundation, explains that unlike traditional philanthropy, these donors contribute shares and assets early, sometimes before company sales, and reinvest returns to maximize social impact.
This approach, inspired by donor-advised funds common in the U.S., allows donors to decide which nonprofits receive funds and at what pace, while the foundation manages asset liquidation and reinvestment. This method applies business principles such as strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and long-term impact measurement to philanthropy. About half of Keshet’s donors come from the high-tech industry, bringing a resource allocation mindset rather than simple generosity.
Since its founding, Keshet has raised over 1.5 billion shekels, distributing around 900 million shekels to more than 2,000 social organizations, with 420 million shekels donated in 2025 alone. The shift from sporadic donations to strategic wealth management is becoming a significant trend in Israeli philanthropy. The recent October 7 war accelerated donation volumes but also highlighted the need for clear roles between government, private sector, and civil society.
Despite this progress, challenges remain, including Israel’s restrictive tax credit cap on large donations and the absence of an inheritance tax, which limits long-term philanthropic planning. Nonprofits must adapt to accept shares and options, not just cash, and learn to engage with entrepreneurs familiar with startup exits and equity structures. Natan Mozar emphasizes that fundraising now resembles investment pitching, requiring vision, persistence, and finding the right partners.
