At the vanguard of strategic Jewish philanthropy stands Stan Polovets, the co-founder and CEO of The Genesis Prize Foundation. With a steadfast commitment to inspiring global Jewish communities and championing humanitarian causes, Polovets has steered the Genesis Prize into a transformative force for positive change.
Since its inception in 2013, backed by a remarkable $100 million endowment, the Genesis Prize has garnered global recognition as a prestigious platform that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations whose work has profoundly impacted humanity. Under Polovets’ visionary leadership, the annual $1 million award has evolved into a powerful catalyst for addressing pressing global challenges through the lens of Jewish values.
One of the critical pillars of Polovets’ approach is the seamless integration of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (philanthropy) into the foundation’s mission. This alignment ensures that the Genesis Prize recognizes individual excellence and serves as a driving force for tangible action that addresses humanitarian issues and aligns with the evolving needs of modern society.
A prime example of this strategic vision is the foundation’s recent decision to direct the $1 million award to Israeli organizations providing critical support to hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and their families. This bold move underscores the Genesis Prize’s ability to adapt to evolving global challenges and leverage its resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
Polovets’ vision for the Genesis Prize extends beyond the annual award ceremony. Through strategic philanthropy and the ability to attract additional donors, the foundation has successfully multiplied its impact, transforming the yearly $1 million prize into over $50 million in philanthropic projects across the globe over the past decade. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the foundation’s capacity to inspire others to join its mission and amplify its impact.
The Genesis Prize has recognized various honorees, each making unique and invaluable contributions to society and the Jewish community. From trailblazers in the arts and sciences to champions of social justice and humanitarian aid, these individuals and organizations embody the broad spectrum of Jewish excellence and philanthropy the foundation seeks to celebrate and support.
Polovets’ dedication to philanthropy extends far beyond the Genesis Prize Foundation. He has actively engaged in numerous charitable endeavors, promoting education, supporting the arts, and advancing social justice initiatives. His unwavering commitment is exemplified by his roles on prestigious boards, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Board of Overseers at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.
Drawing from a distinguished career in the international energy industry and diverse executive roles, Stan Polovets brings a wealth of expertise and a steadfast dedication to excellence. His strategic understanding and business insights have been instrumental in driving the success of the companies he has led, including his pivotal role in the landmark $55 billion sale of oil giant TNK-BP to Rosneft.
As The Genesis Prize Foundation looks to the future, Stan Polovets’ vision for driving transformative change through strategic Jewish philanthropy remains as relevant and vital as ever. In an increasingly interconnected world, the foundation’s commitment to inspiring global Jewry and addressing humanitarian causes is a testament to the enduring power of Jewish values to create positive change worldwide.
Under Polovets’ guidance, the Genesis Prize will continue to blaze a trail, inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders and philanthropists while upholding its mission to celebrate Jewish achievement and contribute to the betterment of humanity through strategic and impactful action.
