The Opportunity Fund

for Civic Service

Who are we?

The Opportunity Fund is a unique, new

consortium of Israeli and Diaspora

philanthropies promoting civic service in Israel.

Target populations: youth at risk, youth with

impairments and minorities.

Our Goal:

To use the civic service as a mechanism of socio

economic mobility of disadvantage young adults

The need

1. In 2011 about 51% were not recruited to the IDF.

2. 70% of them are from disadvantaged populations.

3. Military service - a status symbol ,avenue of integration,

belonging and social mobility.

4. A very poor chances of future social mobility and growing

social disparity.

The need: A lack of slots

On 2011 Government allocated 14,235 for

National Civic Service, Only:

3% (some 450 slots) for youth with disabilities

and youth at-risk

15% of slots (some 2000) for Minorities

We believe

Social equality: Every Israeli is entitled to be part

of the society

Citizenship as civic apolitical concept: the

strength of giving back.

Economic leverage: a better chance of integration

in the employment market

Framework for enrichment activities

The need: enrichment package:

Enrichment answers special requirements:

Coping with frameworks

Readying for employement market

Readying for higher education.

Addressing issues of identity and belonging, culture and society.

Cost-effectiveness Research (2011)

Research surveyed Civic Service graduates disclosed :

1. Serving contributes clear, positive, significant economic value to national product

2. Net long term ROI per volunteer:

Minorities: 250,000 NIS.

Disabilities: 140,000 NIS.

At risk: 351,000 NIS.

Immigrants: 212,000 NIS.

The fund’s goals

Disadvantaged young Israelis will have high-

quality volunteer opportunities by:

Increasing the number of slots

Funding the enrichment packages

Ensuring professional standards

Obtaining government funding the enrichment

Main operational strategy

Broader budgeting for operational NGOs providing enrichment services

Emphasis on quality when choosing operators and developing standards

Impacting public policy

Measuring and evaluating performance of the fund and the organizations it supports

Partnering and networking increases impact

The Opportunity Fund Budget

The current budget for 4 years US$ 4,450,000

Seeking a minimum of US$ 6,500,000 to

support its diverse objectives.

Achievements to date

1. Selecting the most effective grantees by conducting professional dudiligence process

2. Funding enrichment activities for more than 1500 civic service volunteers

3. Funding 8 programs for about 1000 civic service graduates

Achievements to date- civic service for

youth at risk and youth with impairments

1. Establishing the Standards Committee with government

2. Committee has defined appropriate quality standards for

the enrichment package

3. For the first time, the government invested 1,400,000

NIS.on enrichement.

4. The number of slots was increased from 400 to850.

5. A tender was publicized jointly by the fund and the

government.

We welcome you

to join our partnership