Russ Berrie

Making a Difference Award

Since 1997, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored 430 New Jersey residents who’ve made our state a better place. From teens to senior citizens, these remarkable people have made significant impacts through their resilience, dedication, and passion for positive change.

We’re excited about our 2025 nomination campaign which will open in January. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? 

Sign up below to get the latest information and reminders to nominate!
Russ Berrie Making aDifference Awards Hero-Collage NJ 2024
Established in
1997by Russell Berrie
A total of
430 NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.2M in cash awards since 1997
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Established in
1997
by Russell Berrie
A total of
430
NJ Honorees
Awarded over
$4.2M
in cash awards since 1997
About the

Making a Difference

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

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 heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others.

Learn more about this unique award and the impact it’s had for nearly 30 years.

The 2024 Making a Difference Honorees

The 2024 honorees joined the community of 400+ New Jersey changemakers who’ve stepped up and made a difference in communities around our state, as you’ll hear in their inspiring stories.
2024 Making a Difference Honorees

Past Honorees

Use the directory and map to learn more about the past Honorees of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award and the impact they are making throughout New Jersey. All are shining examples of individuals who saw a need, an injustice, an inequity, or a problem to solve . . . and took action.

From the Blog

The work of our past honorees, who have tackled important issues, continues to make profound differences for NJ residents. Learn more about these remarkable individuals through their stories.

In the News

Recent Press & Media

December 2024
Kim Gaddy, Executive Director of SWEA. “This initiative offers a transformative opportunity for local business owners to gain the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries.”
December 2024
Representation matters & access is essential, said Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, Chief Activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice.
December 2024
Megan’s parents, Maureen and Rich, became trailblazers in the country’s new crusade to protect children

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