(MAHWAH, NJ) -- The Russell Berrie Foundation is inviting all New Jerseyans to nominate outstanding young people, ages 16 to 24, who demonstrate exceptional commitment to creating positive change in their communities. For the first time in its 30-year history, the Foundation-supported Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award will focus exclusively on young people, awarding 15 Gen Z leaders each a $5,000 cash award in recognition of their leadership.
"For nearly three decades, the Making a Difference Award has honored New Jersey's unsung heroes...people whose courage and commitment have changed thousands of lives," said Scott Berrie, vice president of The Russell Berrie Foundation. "Now we're turning our attention to the future of giving by elevating young changemakers. My father, Russell Berrie, believed deeply in recognizing those who serve others with purpose and heart. He would be profoundly inspired by the vision, energy, and impact young people are bringing to communities across New Jersey today."
Nominations can be submitted online through February 13, 2026. Nominees must be New Jersey residents ages 16-24. A committee of community and philanthropic leaders will review submissions. Finalists will be honored at a ceremony at Ramapo College of New Jersey, which has administered the program since its creation in 1997.
"For 30 years, it's been a privilege for Ramapo to work with the Russell Berrie Foundation to honor hundreds of individuals who devote themselves to serving others," said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. "Every day, we see Gen Z leading with creativity, empathy, and bold new ideas. In 2026, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on inspiring young leaders making a real difference across New Jersey."
In 2025, a Jersey City-based community leader, Lewis Spears, was honored with a Making a Difference Award for launching an innovative nonprofit, Kismet of Kings, which empowers young men to step into adult life with purpose and intention. He urges everyone who knows a Gen Z changemaker to nominate them.
Spears says: "Our young people are out here doing powerful work, often without applause. This is the kind of brilliance we witness every single day — quiet leadership, real impact, young folks choosing purpose. So, look around your community. If you see a young person, 16-24, stepping up, leading, serving, or changing the narrative, nominate them for this award. Someone once did the same for me, and it changed my life. Your nomination could be the spark that pushes them into their purpose."
Russell Berrie created the Making a Difference Award in 1997 to recognize changemakers and unsung heroes who make New Jersey a better place. Since that time, the Making a Difference Award has celebrated more than 450 honorees and awarded $4.4 million to advance innovative, community-centered solutions. Now, as the program sunsets in late 2026, the Support Center for Nonprofit Management will provide a range of services to support the community of past honorees and the organizations they lead.
The Russell Berrie Foundation identifies visionaries, institutions, and unsung heroes doing groundbreaking work and amplifies their impact with financial and strategic support. Focusing primarily on Northern New Jersey and Israel, the Foundation invests in leaders and organizations working to cultivate thriving Jewish communities, build bridges across differences, strengthen an inclusive and resilient Israel, and drive breakthroughs in diabetes care.
Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state's premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor's degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master's degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
