About us: From innovative Ideas to sustainable social enterprises

Topaz – Leading Social Innovations was founded in 2000 by a team of Israeli social entrepreneurs as a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, voluntary association. With the aim of contributing to the growth and sustainability of Israeli society, we formulate and nurture innovative and creative social ventures in a supportive environment.

Topaz's mission is to drive large-scale change by identifying, investing in, connecting and supporting social entrepreneurs and other innovators dedicated to solving some of Israel's most pressing problems.

 

Our Beliefs

Topaz believes that social ventures play an important role in bringing about social change by shaping and advancing a fair, democratic society through effective, efficient and creative solutions.

Topaz believes in the spirit of social entrepreneurship – in a world that responds quickly and effectively to social challenges, and where each individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem and drive change.

Topaz is based on a firm belief in the ability of children, youth, families and their communities to bridge social gaps, to cope with difficult situations, and to realize the potential of every human being.

 

Our Mission

Topaz strives to shape a dynamic, entrepreneurial, competitive citizen sector – one that allows social entrepreneurs to thrive and enables Israeli citizens to think and act as agents of change. Topaz provides a unique model of sustainable social innovation.

Topaz encourages the formation of social businesses (social enterprises) as an investment opportunity with "non-monetary returns", thus combining business know-how with the maximization of social benefits.

 

Our Strategy

Topaz's activity plan is based on three streams of programming – Creation, education, and research – tied to the overall objectives of stimulating civil society, government agencies and the private sector to be engaged in building social capital, as well as advancing social change and social justice.

 Topaz's ventures are focused on third sector platforms and non-profit organizations, but also include cooperative relationships and interplay between the three sectors of society: public, private and civil.

 

Our Priorities

Social entrepreneurship – Topaz advances grass-roots social projects and initiatives, acting as a "social greenhouse" for sowing and cultivating innovative support and intervention programs. We give free rein to social entrepreneurs in advancing their programs by offering training, professional and administrative support.

Innovation – developing new and innovative models for high level treatment, based on accumulated experience and interdisciplinary knowledge that can be replicated in Israel and abroad. Inspired by the social entrepreneurs we serve, Topaz challenge itself to be a creative and innovative entity.

Volunteerism – Topaz operates volunteer systems at various levels, both in the field and leadership positions, and promotes volunteer values for and among children, youth and young adults.

Strategic Management – Topaz operates its projects with an emphasis on business orientation, and with the goal of achieving long term financial independence.

 

There are ideas that change people's lives

During the last decade the Topaz Incubator has advanced over two dozen creative new enterprises. We have serviced and supported a wide range of social causes including: high schools for disadvantaged youth in the fields of arts and communication, social justice and social participation, youth and family support centers, educational programs, international development, and relief endeavors.

Topaz believes that social ventures play an important role in bringing about larger social change by shaping and advancing a fair and democratic society.