Philanthropy-Government Collaborations in Urban Renewal and Community Development: Two Case Studies from Israel’s Periphery

This article examines a philanthropic foundation’s work to promote complex urban renewal and community development processes in two cities in Israel’s periphery. It compares the working principles, strategies, and results of collaborative projects undertaken by a philanthropic foundation, local authorities, Israel’s Ministry of Construction and Housing, and community representatives, and describes how young, mission-based communities can serve as a resource for community development and urban renewal processes in Israel’s peripheral areas. The evaluative study accompanying the project used qualitative data collection methods, including 34 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, field observations, and analysis of official documents. The results indicate that to ensure the quality and sustainability of community development in urban renewal initiatives, investments are necessary in the local economic and social infrastructure, as is the creation of a strong and resilient partnership between the governmental and local authorities, residents, and the philanthropic organization.