New York, June 13, 2017 –The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) and Jewish Funders Network (JFN) today announced the recipients of funding under the special matching grants program created in honor of 2016 Genesis Prize Laureate Itzhak Perlman. The announcement identified 22 organizations as grantees of Breaking Barriers, which will fund programs that promote inclusion of those with disabilities in Jewish life. The projects will result in $3.17M in new funds being dedicated to this philanthropic area.
“Together with Itzhak Perlman, we aim to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people with disabilities throughout North America, Israel and the FSU,” said Stan Polovets, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation. “Itzhak’s personal story illustrates humankind’s ability to achieve greatness in the face of adversity. We want to give others an opportunity to achieve their own greatness by enjoying lives filled with dignity, respect, and personal fulfilment.”
This is the second consecutive year that GPF and JFN have conducted a matching grant initiative in honor of a Genesis Prize Laureate. Last year’s matching grant initiative in honor of the 2015 Laureate Michael Douglas resulted in $3.3M in new funds contributed to projects focused on engaging intermarried families in Jewish life.
World-renowned violinist and activist for those with disabilities, Itzhak Perlman, received the 2016 Genesis Prize at a ceremony in Jerusalem. In lieu of accepting the prize money, he directed the funds to promote inclusion of those with disabilities in Jewish life, as well as to support young people pursuing careers in classical music.
To read the full article and see the full list of grant recipients visit eJewishPhilanthropy – Genesis Prize
Originally posted on e-Jewish Philanthropy on June 13.