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