Supporting People with Disabilities
2016 Philanthropic Theme
Laureate: Itzhak Perlman
Inspired by his personal experiences, Itzhak Perlman asked The Genesis Prize Foundation to direct his $1 million award, plus an additional $1 million from other donors, to initiatives in the performing arts and initiatives supporting people with disabilities.
In North America, The Genesis Prize Foundation and Jewish Funders Network administered “Breaking Barriers,” a matching grants program which resulted in 22 organizations receiving funding for programs that engage people with disabilities in Jewish life. The grant recipients included:
- Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies (AJFCA)
- Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University
- Congregation B’nai Amoona
- Congregation Shaar Hashomayim
- DANI (Developing and Nurturing Independence)
- Etta Israel Center
- Hillel International
- JBI International
- JCC Manhattan
- JCC San Francisco
- Jewish Child and Family Services
- Jewish Family Service & Children’s Center of Clifton/Passaic
- Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey
- Jewish Family Service of Seattle
- Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
- Jewish Learning Venture
- Judith Creed Homes for Adult Independence (JCHAI)
- Kadima Jewish Support Services for Adults with Mental Illness
- MetroWest Jewish Day School
- National Ramah Commission
- RespectAbility
- The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
Click here for more detail on the North American initiative.
In Israel, The Genesis Prize Foundation and Matan-United Way directed funds towards organizations promoting culture and assisting Israelis with disabilities. The grant recipients included: