Opinion
Israeli high-tech: From emergency response to smart, strategic philanthropy
"As the Israeli economy continues to recover, I believe the high-tech community should think of philanthropy as an integral part of its business model – not as a side activity but as a long-term strategy," writes Maya Natan Mozer, Founder and CEO of Keshet - Donor-Advised Fund.
Since October 7, the Israeli high-tech ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable mobilization for Israeli society. The entire industry quickly and efficiently rallied to support national efforts, with unprecedented increases in financial donations and volunteer work from companies and individuals across the sector. Support for war orphans, organized groups establishing funding channels for rehabilitating the Gaza Envelope and northern communities, and significant fundraising for anxiety and trauma treatment have all emerged. Now, as the economy gradually transitions from emergency response to long-term recovery, the question arises: How do we maintain this momentum and channel the spirit of volunteering and giving into strategic, impactful philanthropy?
From Exit Experts to Impact Experts
The State of Israel needs long-term involvement from the high-tech sector and the resources (both financial and human) they bring to Israeli civil society. What process can preserve the high levels of engagement seen during wartime for the future?
Tech professionals are accustomed to analytical and data-driven thinking, and these same principles can make their philanthropy more effective. The industry that develops complex technological solutions and raises billions through investments and IPOs can harness these same skills to maximize social impact. Financial management, data-based analysis, and long-term thinking that characterize tech managers and entrepreneurs are tremendous assets in the philanthropic arena. When transitioning to smart philanthropic activity, it's important to remember that many stakeholders have been operating in various giving sectors for years, and it's both possible and appropriate to make decisions about continued involvement through ongoing learning and dialogue with those on the ground.
Advanced Architecture for Giving
Unlike the traditional concept of donations as one-time actions, the Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) model allows high-tech investors to manage their philanthropy like an investment portfolio. Modern philanthropic platforms provide an efficient infrastructure for giving – removing bureaucratic barriers, enabling maximum flexibility, and providing complete transparency. This allows those who want to continue their direct involvement to do so, while maximizing resources that reach organizations, and learning about existing projects to avoid duplicating efforts.
Part of the transition to long-term giving is also thinking about and planning donations so that the donor stays involved over years, regardless of income level.
Planning Your Giving - Optimal Resource Management
There are several key advantages to planning philanthropic giving:
- Tax optimization: Donating assets such as private or public shares (before selling them) saves capital gains tax and significantly increases the effective donation amount.
- Smart investment management: Funds not yet transferred to nonprofits are managed in investments that generate returns, thereby increasing available resources for donation.
- Scalability: Advanced digital platforms enable managing donations of any size, from thousands to millions of shekels, without the need to establish dedicated donation infrastructure that reduces funds reaching the field.
The Next Pivot for Israeli High-Tech
As the Israeli economy continues to recover, I believe the high-tech community should think of philanthropy as an integral part of its business model – not as a side activity but as a long-term strategy, and most importantly, to continue financial involvement and giving while learning about various areas of giving, active players, and the long-term impact.
Choosing advanced philanthropic platforms will allow high-tech professionals to remain socially engaged even after the war, without it becoming a logistical burden. They can deposit funds now, enjoy immediate tax benefits, and decide later which causes to allocate them to, while having access to information about deposited funds at any given moment.
Our mission is to connect the strengths of the high-tech industry – resources, talent, and strategic thinking – with the complex needs of Israeli society. If we succeed in doing this correctly, we will see the same level of excellence and impact that characterizes Israeli high-tech applied to improving Israel's greatest social challenges.
Maya Natan Mozer is the Founder and CEO of Keshet - Donor-Advised Fund.
