Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors individuals whose selfless efforts break down barriers, improve lives, and make New Jersey a better place to live, work, and raise a family. The Making a Difference Award was established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, a New Jersey based businessman and philanthropist, and is administered by Ramapo College of New Jersey. Since then, the award has given $3.5 million to 366 people, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference. In 2021, up to 10 individuals can receive the award, with a top award of $50,000, two $25,000 awards, and seven awards of $7,500. The award is open to New Jersey residents — they are your friends and neighbors, community leaders and advocates, people who saw a problem and took action to solve it. People who understood that injustice and inequity must be ended so all can have opportunity. Nominate your "Unsung New Jersey Hero" at www.ramapo.edu/berrie-awards/nomination-form