The Future of Nonprofit Summit – Israel was held this past Monday in the Jaffa Port. The Summit brought together an eclectic mix of leaders in Israel's nonprofit world to learn tools that would help them maximize their hard work.

For many of the participants, the Summit provided a wakeup call of the importance of utilizing technology to the fullest capabilities. Whether it was social media or online donation functionality, a common thread of innovation was woven by all panelists and speakers. 

Panelists (including ROIer Yonatan Ben-Dor) exhibited an array of tachlis tools to pitch stories to reporters, make websites more donation friendly and to implement social marketing strategies. Some of the participants in the audience questioned the importance of using these innovative tools in their work, but the panelists unanimously advocated the importance of implementing such practices across the board.

Dispersed amongst the informative panels, participants had the opportunity to learn a few words in sign language, which was appropriate as the Summit was held at the Nalag'at Center, the only theater for deaf and blind performers in the world. The center also houses the Blackout Café, a restaurant where the entire experience is in the dark, and the waiters are blind, as well as Café Capish, a restaurant where the waiters are deaf. The presentation and the lunch following stressed the potential of what can happen when a nonprofit thinks outside the box.

Lunch was followed by a drumming session, hosted by the Drum Café, where the hundreds of participants were given their own drums. Despite the lack of drumming experience amongst each individual – the crowd quickly came together and some great music was made.

Overall it was a great conference and a useful networking opportunity for all present. The ROI team made some great connections with different individuals who support nonprofit organizations in Israel. If you’d like us to pass a long some contacts from different areas ranging from nonprofit banking services, online donation support, social marketing, communications services, and general nonprofit consulting, please email us and we'll be happy to connect you.

Check out #FONSI on twitter to see highlights from the day's activities, and what other's are saying about FONSI - Read the JTA's coverage, a blog on the important role of social media, and another on key takeaways.