Ashkelon Foundation

The Ashkelon Foundation, established in 1989 and chaired by public figures like former mayor Eli Dayan, is an independent Israeli philanthropy dedicated exclusively to advancing the community, cultural, educational, and welfare needs of Ashkelon residents. Its mission emphasizes stimulating local growth through collaborative initiatives with municipal authorities, the Jewish Agency, and international partners—particularly Diaspora Jewry and British Jewish communities—fostering inclusivity, resilience, and long-term development for all population segments without religious restrictions.

It prioritizes education via school digitalization, higher education access, and Jewish Learning Centers for arts and sciences; health services including medical clinics and dental care; and cultural vibrancy through music, theater, and arts programs. Beneficiaries include schoolchildren, youth, vulnerable families, the elderly, and those needing social or health support, with funded projects like infrastructure upgrades, rehabilitative daycare (e.g., Martin J. Waldbaum Center), arts/science hubs, and crisis aid for soldiers and hospitals.

Eligible entities are local public bodies, schools, charities, and occasionally individuals, strictly operating within Ashkelon's municipality; no income thresholds apply, but partnerships via municipal channels or established networks are essential, as unsolicited applications are not accepted. Grants cover project-specific, capital, program, and emergency support with no published amounts, ranges, or deadlines—decisions are ad hoc, responsive to needs and collaborations.

Distinctively, the foundation excludes funding outside Ashkelon, core/unrestricted support, or open calls, differentiating itself as a trusted bridge for UK/Diaspora philanthropy, leveraging strong ties for high-impact, partnership-driven projects that blend immediate welfare with enduring communal strengthening.