A recent analysis by ZOOOZ, the platform overseeing a philanthropy database for Israel's corporate world, indicates that only 45% of Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed companies provided philanthropic support in 2025.

The research classified such donations as any contributions over NIS 100,000 directed toward community initiatives.

ZOOOZ CEO Shlomi Turgeman highlighted that these donations from public companies summed to about NIS 800 million in 2025, comprising just 10% of Israel's overall charitable contributions.

"Key factors behind the 45% participation rate among public companies include Israel's lack of mandatory corporate giving regulations - unlike many other nations - absence of formal CSR ratings on the stock exchange, and no incentives or penalties tied to charitable involvement," Turgeman explained.

The findings suggest that leaders at Tel Aviv Stock Exchange companies continue to follow economist Milton Friedman's view that businesses exist primarily to boost shareholder profits.

As a result, numerous executives argue that shareholders ought to handle their own philanthropy using dividends, rather than having firms spend corporate funds on such efforts, according to Turgeman.

Companies Eager to Give but Hesitant on Causes

ZOOOZ's survey also revealed that certain firms wish to contribute philanthropically yet struggle to identify suitable causes or methods that match their brand identity.

The report pointed out that 2025 donations from public companies largely reflected their 2024 financial results, a year plagued by economic volatility and subdued growth.

ZOOOZ's review showed Israel's leading banks cut back on giving in 2025, even as other businesses ramped up theirs substantially. Still, aggregate philanthropic activity held steady versus the prior year.

Strong stock market performance in 2025 is poised to boost 2026 donations, the study predicts, noting that recent corporate growth and earnings have yet to fully spur greater giving.

Standout increasers included Energix, which boosted donations 78% to NIS 5.5 million from 2024 levels.

Phoenix Holdings surged 145% to NIS 27 million, El Al climbed 114% to NIS 45 million.

Delek Group rose 107% to NIS 7.5 million, and Yochananof grew 105% to NIS 7 million.

Additionally, the study observed a global trend - including in Israel, the US, and EU nations - toward mandatory ESG disclosures, compelling firms to report social and environmental efforts transparently to investors and the public.