The concept of refusing a million-dollar prize might seem unconventional, Yet, under the guidance of Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation, this bold approach has revolutionized Jewish philanthropy. Since its establishment in 2013, the foundation has transformed individual recognition into widespread social impact, with laureates consistently choosing to redirect their awards to vital charitable initiatives.
A carefully crafted selection process is at the heart of the foundation’s success. “We’re not just celebrating achievement,” Stan Polovets notes, “but fostering a connection between professional excellence and meaningful societal contribution.” This philosophy has guided the foundation through its first decade, resulting in support for more than 230 organizations across 31 countries.
The evolution of the selection process reflects the foundation’s commitment to community engagement. What began as an internal nomination system involving more than 1,000 global leaders has expanded into a broader initiative. By 2020, the process included tens of thousands of Jewish voices worldwide, utilizing digital platforms to ensure diverse representation in choosing role models for the Jewish community.
Each laureate’s decision creates cascading benefits through strategic partnerships. Consider the 2015 initiative spearheaded by Michael Douglas, which tackled the inclusion of intermarried families in Jewish life. Through collaboration with the Jewish Funders Network, the initial award multiplied into $3.3 million, benefiting 27 organizations throughout North America. The following year saw similar success when Itzhak Perlman championed support for individuals with special needs, generating $3.2 million for 22 nonprofit organizations.
Stan Polovets emphasizes the foundation’s ability to respond to global challenges with agility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 laureate Natan Sharansky directed resources toward vulnerable populations affected by the crisis. More recently, the 2024 award acknowledged organizations supporting Israeli hostages and their families, demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
The foundation achieved a significant milestone with its 10th-anniversary award to Barbra Streisand, whose selection exemplifies the prize’s dual focus on professional excellence and social responsibility. Her decision to support causes ranging from women’s health to climate initiatives and aid for Ukraine reflects the foundation’s broad humanitarian impact.
Looking toward the future, the organization focuses on addressing contemporary challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide. “In an era where both assimilation and antisemitism challenge Jewish identity, we’ve created a platform that celebrates achievement while fostering pride and unity,” Stan Polovets explains. This approach has proven particularly relevant as global events continue to shape Jewish experiences across the diaspora.
The Genesis Prize Foundation is a testament to the power of innovative philanthropy. It has established a model that successfully amplifies individual achievement into collective advancement through careful laureate selection, strategic partnerships, and responsive grantmaking. As its mission continues, the foundation remains committed to nurturing a Jewish community that honors its heritage while embracing future challenges and opportunities.
