CHW SOCIAL IMPACT INVESTING IN ISRAEL
CHW’s Social Impact Investment Fund was created in 2022 to provide low interest-bearing loans for early stage for profit Israeli businesses that benefit women and youth in the areas of education, healthcare, and social services.
CHW is the first organization to launch a social impact investing fund in Israel through a gender lens strategy. Heavily vetted entrepreneurs are provided growth capital, which is later returned to the fund for investment in other businesses that conform to
CHW’s investment thesis and mandate.
Each investment not only empowers the early stage community but supports a sustainable future for the next generation of small businesses in Israel.
The beneficiaries of the investment loan are typically women entrepreneurs from low income communities who would not be able to secure traditional financing for their small business.
Unlike a traditional investment, CHW offers a short-term loan at below market rates to benefit the communities being served and the impact that the business is creating. Loan repayment and additional annual donor contributions create an investment pool that increases year over year, enabling CHW to make increasingly greater impact over time.
For donors, this is a unique legacy opportunity to make a gift that keeps on giving. Make a donation today and help create exponential impact for tomorrow.
To learn more about this exciting investment opportunity, please contact:
Lisa Colt-Kotler, CEO | [email protected]
To join CHW in Israel and learn more about Journey 4 Impact, please click on the below button:
CHW is proud to announce a very generous gift of $100,000 from Elayna and Jonathan Latsky, Journey Co-Chairs, which ensured the success of this launch initiative in 2022.
“Jonathan and I are so excited about this new initiative for CHW and the ability to provide sustainable investment and impact in Israel for women who need a hand-up, not a handout,”
– Elayna Latsky
CHW Immediate Past National President (2020-2022) and Journey 4 Impact Co-Chair 2021
OUR IMPACT TO DATE
Tech19 - Investment date: October 2022
Tech19 was established to provide quality hi-tech employment opportunities to women in the geographic periphery of Israel. Tech19 provides technical and innovative solutions to fintech, healthcare, and software companies, including prototyping, software, and hardware development. The women employed receive skills training and on-the-job support. They also become role models in their community, acting as an inspiration to the younger generation, while ensuring economic stability for their family.
- Doubled the number of employees from 12 to 25
- Expanded business to additional fields: Tech Support and REVIT
- Increased customer base: ASUS, Sentrycs, PINKAS, ICL
- Provided the infrastructure to develop 2 new products: Flyzone & QueenDee
- Enabled Tech19 to move into their own office
- Provided for technical training sessions and tech mentorship
Tech19 - Updates since October 7
- Tech 19 was one month away from being in the black when October 7th hit, and it hit hard. Some employees were called to military duty, while others were required to stay home with the children while their partners were serving and there was no daycare or schools. Existing clients halted projects, while new clients rescinded prospective projects.
- CHW extended the loan’s grace period to by an additional six-months, and Tech 19 took various measures which, together, enabled the company to survive a difficult period. The company is nearing its pre-October 7 state without having to let go of a single employee.
Social Space - Investment date: October 2022
Social Space TLV is a social innovation and education hub that sparks discussion around human trafficking and gender-based violence. Established in 2019 on the former site of the Pussycat strip club, Social Space TLV now engages visitors on site through its educational programs. Social Space TLV continues to convert abandoned buildings across Israel into spaces that encourage discussion and numerous educational experiences.
- From Jan to Aug 2023, there were 49,926 visitors, a 25% increase from 2022 and income increased 36% during the same period.
- Enabled the renovation of a workroom, which created a space to spread the message about Social Space, recruit volunteers, and host new associations.
- According to a recent survey, the tours have significantly affected the perception, response, and intentions surrounding paid sex services.
Social Space - Updates since October 7
- After initially using the space for educational activities for the evacuees after October 7, social space is back in action. They are increasing their number of visitors every week but remain engaged with the evacuees.
- Currently running two programs: evening activities for youth, and art therapy. The renovated meeting room is being used for the art therapy activities.
- The hostel is now also reopened to guests after hosting an army preparatory program for two months. They continue to offer free accommodation for lone soldiers.
Read recent updates from Tech19 and Social Space in the below Winter 2025 issue of ORAH Magazine.
