Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Mr. Russ Berrie

“There is no greater importance in life than knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being.”
-Russ Berrie 1933-2002

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award is administered by Ramapo College of New Jersey

The 2020 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award nomination cycle will open in January 2020.  Please return then to nominate your Unsung New Jersey Heroes.

Congratulations to the 2019 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honorees

Unsung heroes from throughout New Jersey earned recognition for their compassion and concern for others as part of the 23rd Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award ceremony at Ramapo College on May 3, 2019.

Ten individuals were honored with cash prizes totaling more than $150,000. The top winner received $50,000, and two second place honorees received $25,000 each. Seven awards with a $7,500 cash prize each were also presented.  Honorees were nominated by people in their communities who know their work first-hand.  An Advisory Board composed of leaders from the business, nonprofit, and philanthropic arena reviewed nominations and recommended winners.

Learn about the 2019 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honorees here.

Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, and managed and hosted by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors Garden State residents whose outstanding community service and charitable contributions made a substantial impact on the lives of others.