Fostering change: Using the co‐production of services by the state and non‐profits to combat violence within the Israeli Arab community

Abstract

This study examines the role of nonprofit organisations established and operated by Arab citizens of Israel that work with youth in government policies aimed at integrating the Arab population and addressing community violence. Using content analysis of government documents and interviews, we investigate how this co‐production is evident in financial support, regulation, monitoring, and inclusive governance. Our findings highlight cultural differences affecting the relationship between the third sector and the government, as well as challenges in top‐down policy implementation and co‐production with Arab local governments in Israel. This paper's findings reveal a paradox in co‐production within Israeli local governance. Arab non‐profit employees, despite dissatisfaction with top‐down policies, see state‐mandated co‐production as necessary due to local government failures. The unitary nature of Israel's government limits local autonomy and non‐profit effectiveness, constraining them to service delivery roles. This centralised neo‐Weberian model restricts non‐profits from participating in policy design, highlighting contradictions in the co‐production process and reflecting broader challenges in public administration and third‐sector collaboration. Points for practitioners More inclusive and participatory policy frameworks should be advocated to accommodate the unique characteristics and needs of the specific population. Joint resource mobilisation efforts should be encouraged to help non‐profit managers reduce dependency on state funding and enhance financial sustainability. The challenges and cultural disparities between the state and minority groups that impact co‐production between non‐profits and government, particularly in regulatory procedures and policy implementation, should be understood.