The 2026 Making a Difference Awards will recognize Gen Z leaders who drive positive change in New Jersey on the Ramapo College campus

January 12, 2026

The Russell Berrie Foundation is inviting all New Jerseyans to nominate outstanding young people, ages 16 to 24, who demonstrate exceptional commitment to creating positive change in their communities. For the first time in its 30-year history, the Foundation-supported Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award will focus exclusively on young people, awarding 15 Gen Z leaders each a $5,000 cash award in recognition of their leadership.

“For nearly three decades, the Making a Difference Award has honored New Jersey’s unsung heroes…people whose courage and commitment have changed thousands of lives,” said Scott Berrie, vice president of The Russell Berrie Foundation. “Now we’re turning our attention to the future of giving by elevating young changemakers. My father, Russell Berrie, believed deeply in recognizing those who serve others with purpose and heart. He would be profoundly inspired by the vision, energy, and impact young people are bringing to communities across New Jersey today.”

Nominations are now open and can be submitted online through February 13, 2026 at RussBerrieMakingADifferenceAward.org. Nominees must be New Jersey residents ages 16-24. A committee of community and philanthropic leaders will review submissions. Finalists will be honored at a ceremony at Ramapo College of New Jersey, which has administered the program since its creation in 1997.

“For 30 years, it’s been a privilege for Ramapo to work with the Russell Berrie Foundation to honor hundreds of individuals who devote themselves to serving others,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “Every day, we see Gen Z leading with creativity, empathy, and bold new ideas. In 2026, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on inspiring young leaders making a real difference across New Jersey.”

2025 Awardee Lewis Spears at the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards held on
May 9 at Ramapo College.

In 2025, a Jersey City-based community leader, Lewis Spears, was honored with a Making a Difference Award for launching an innovative nonprofit, Kismet of Kings, which empowers young men to step into adult life with purpose and intention. He urges everyone who knows a Gen Z changemaker to nominate them.

“Our young people are out here doing powerful work, often without applause. This is the kind of brilliance we witness every single day — quiet leadership, real impact, young folks choosing purpose,” said Spears. “So, look around your community. If you see a young person, 16-24, stepping up, leading, serving, or changing the narrative, nominate them for this award. Someone once did the same for me, and it changed my life. Your nomination could be the spark that pushes them into their purpose.”

Russell Berrie created the Making a Difference Award in 1997 to recognize changemakers and unsung heroes who make New Jersey a better place. Since that time, the Making a Difference Award has celebrated more than 450 honorees and awarded $4.4 million to advance innovative, community-centered solutions. Now, as the program sunsets in late 2026, The Support Center, a nonprofit management support organization, will provide a range of services to support the community of past honorees and the organizations they lead.

Visit the Making A Difference Awards website to nominate a Gen Z changemaker and for more details about the event and Russ Berrie Foundation.