Ruderman Family Foundation launches $250,000 prize in global inclusion competition

The prize shines a spotlight on programs and organizations globally whose work best exemplifies the full inclusion of people with disabilities.

By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
At the presentation of the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion to visiting Harvard law professor Michael Stein (center). (photo credit: NIR LANDAU)
At the presentation of the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion to visiting Harvard law professor Michael Stein (center).
(photo credit: NIR LANDAU)
The Ruderman Family Foundation announced the launch of the fourth annual Ruderman Prize in Inclusion on Monday.
The prize aims to recognize organizations around the world who have demonstrated their commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the Jewish community; through innovative programs and services.
As in the past, the $250,000 prize will be split equally among five organizations.
“Innovative organizations in the global Jewish community are leading the way in promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in our society,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation.
“We believe that by recognizing the most creative and impactful of these organizations through the Ruderman Prize in Inclusion that our Jewish community will be inspired by their example and seek to become a more inclusive community for all.
We look forward to receiving applications from Jewish organizations around the world,” he said.
Fully inclusive programs ensure that everyone can participate together, without stigma or imposed limitations.
Over the last three years, 20 organizations worldwide have been recipients of the award; including organizations in Russia, the UK, United States, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Australia, Canada and Argentina.
Past winners include schools, a synagogue, a dance company, JCC, a university, a bakery, employment services and organizations that promote full inclusion for all Jews, whether they have a disability or not.
The Ruderman Prize in Inclusion shines a spotlight on programs and organizations globally whose work exemplifies the full inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrating them as inspiration and models, which could be replicated elsewhere.
Guidelines and a link to the application form for the awards are available on the foundation’s website, rudermanfoundation.
org.
Submissions are due by April 20 and the winners will be announced in June.
The Ruderman Family Foundation provides funding, leadership and expertise in the US and Israel, in core areas of interest – advocating for and advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Jewish community, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the American Jewish community among Israeli leaders and modeling the practice of strategic philanthropy worldwide.