NIF Part of New Forum to Strengthen Civil Society during Economic Crisis

November 18, 2008

Following an emergency debate, NIF along with several other major philanthropic organizations have established the "Forum for Strengthening Civil Society in Israel at a Time of Crisis".  In addition to the New Israel Fund/SHATIL, the Forum includes the Jewish Agency, Joint Distribution Committee, Sacta Rashi Foundation and Arison Foundation.

The ad-hoc Forum aims to foster cooperation during the current economic crisis to help social organizations survive, confront the challenges ahead and emerge as stronger organizations.

The new Forum will act on three fronts: it will use SHATIL's know-how in providing organizations with capacity building tools and consultancy in how to best utilize more limited economic resources; it will encourage greater cooperation between organizations, including a pooling of resources; and it will act as a pressure group vis-à-vis the Israeli government, promoting policies which will ease the plight of NGOs and encourage contributions.