Under the guidance of Stan Polovets, the Genesis Prize has become a powerful force for change, driving innovation and social progress through philanthropy.
Since its founding, The Genesis Prize Foundation has distributed grants to dozens of causes and hundreds of nonprofits worldwide. As of 2024, under The Genesis Prize Foundation CEO and co-founder Stan Polovets’ leadership, the foundation has leveraged its annual $1 million prize with additional donations into more than $50 million in contributions, supporting over 230 nongovernmental organizations across 31 countries.
Collaboration has been key to this success: Dozens of funding partners and matching donors have joined GPF to support areas of critical need globally. Through this work, the organization has amplified the impact of its laureates, who embody Jewish values while addressing urgent challenges.
“It is the only organization awarding an annual $1 million to recipients who do not take the money but turn it around and invest it back into the community, often doubling or tripling the impact with the help of matching donations of their own and from other philanthropists,” explains Stan Polovets, CEO and co-founder.
With a focus on philanthropy, each Genesis Prize laureate directs the $1 million award to causes close to their heart, often attracting additional funds from other sources. This model has multiplied the foundation’s impact, driving funds toward pressing issues like women’s empowerment, the refugee crisis, and combating antisemitism.
“None of us can do this work alone,” Polovets says. “Every year, we have partnered with individuals, organizations, and donors to achieve our goals. It truly is a ‘two heads are better than one’ approach.”
The foundation was created to celebrate Jewish achievement and pride by honoring individuals who have attained professional success and are committed to improving the world. “We are living in a time where assimilation and antisemitism have inhibited open expressions of Jewish identity around the globe. The foundation saw an opportunity to use a new tool for fostering that pride: spotlighting Jewish individuals who have achieved unparalleled professional success while speaking openly and positively about their Jewish identity,” says Polovets.
The Genesis Prize Foundation has touched a wide range of humanitarian efforts. In addition to the significant financial contributions, the foundation’s work has brought attention to causes such as refugee resettlement, racial equality, and disability inclusion. Michael Bloomberg, the inaugural laureate in 2014, directed his award to launch the Genesis Generation Challenge,
which supported social entrepreneurs with projects that sought to improve the world.
Other Genesis Prize Laureates and Their Causes
Over the years, the Genesis Prize has honored a variety of remarkable individuals, including:
- Michael Douglas (2015): Focused on fostering inclusivity for interfaith families in Jewish communities. “I share this award with my family, who encouraged me in my exploration of the Jewish faith. I hope these teachings and values will be part of the legacy in the world that I leave for my children and those who follow,” stated Douglas.
- Itzhak Perlman (2016): Directed his prize money to disability rights and inclusion efforts. Stan Polovets stated, “A 16-time Grammy award winner, Itzhak has been an incredible source of inspiration for individuals with special needs by overcoming tremendous personal challenges.”
- Anish Kapoor (2017): Allocated $1 million to support organizations addressing the global refugee crisis. Kapoor said, “I believe in a world of compassion, and am fortunate to be able to work with The Genesis Prize Foundation and the terrific NGOs receiving our grants to bring more compassion into the world.”
- Robert Kraft (2019): Allocated his prize to fund initiatives fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel. Kraft said the prize “amplifies my ability to raise both awareness and additional funds to fight antisemitism, attempts to delegitimize Israel and other forms of prejudices. It is important that we continue to support organizations that focus on combating prejudices by building bridges and uniting people of different backgrounds.”
- Natan Sharansky (2020): Chose to forgo the $1 million Genesis Prize award, redirecting it to aid vulnerable communities in Israel and worldwide, helping them respond effectively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.
- Steven Spielberg (2021): Opted to address racial equality and economic justice in the United States. Stan Polovets said, “The Genesis Prize celebrates Steven Spielberg’s unique talent, his commitment to making the world a better place, and his unparalleled contribution to teaching the postwar generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.”
- Albert Bourla (2022): Awarded the Genesis Prize for guiding the development of the first effective vaccine against COVID, Bourla allocated his prize to help build a Holocaust museum in his hometown of Thessaloniki, Greece. “Dr. Bourla personifies two of the most fundamental Jewish values: the commitment to the sanctity of life and to repairing the world,” stated Polovets.
- Barbra Streisand (2024): Directed her prize funds to nonprofit organizations focused on critical issues such as women’s health, climate change, promoting truth in the public domain, and offering humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
In 2023, for the first time, the Genesis Prize was awarded collectively to Jewish activists and organizations working to support the people of Ukraine after the Russian invasion. This marked a shift from the traditional focus on a single laureate to recognizing the organizations.
In 2024, the Genesis Prize recognized Israeli organizations working to support hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and their families. These groups offer vital medical assistance, psychological counseling, and long-term support during recovery.
In addition to the annual laureates, the Genesis Prize Foundation has awarded two Lifetime Achievement honors. In 2018, United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was recognized for her lifelong dedication to justice and equality. In 2021, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was posthumously honored for his profound contributions to Jewish thought and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.
