Award named for philanthropic leader recognises projects helping diaspora Jews
The Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award - funded by GPG - is inspired by the late CEO's passion for data-driven giving
A new award recognising projects poised to impact positively on Jewish communities around the world has launched in memory of the former CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group.
The Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award – funded by GPG – is inspired by his passion for data-driven philanthropy and promotion of innovative applied research techniques.
Nominated projects must be related to concrete issues affecting Jewish communities, be accessible to lay leaders, professionals and clergy who are not researchers and display creativity.
The award was announced nine months after Salita’s untimely death by GPG CEO Marina Yudborovsky, Jewish Funders Network President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny and Josh Salita, Ilia’s eldest son.
Yudborovsky said: “Ilia would be proud to have a hand in continuing to help the Jewish community make decisions armed with more information and to help reward, as well as incentivise, the work of researchers in this space.”
JFN’s Andrés Spokoiny recalled said he “was a beloved friend and supporter” who “married the rigour of the engineer to the passion of the activist. This award, which we established in his honour, will aid Jewish philanthropy worldwide to move ever closer to his ideal—strategic and kind, mentschy and collaborative.”
Paying tribute to his father following the award’s announcement, Joshua Salita said Ilia wanted “to drive impact and to do so in a way that would most positively benefit the greatest number of people.”
I know he would be proud and humbled that two organizations so close to his heart are working together to launch this award in the field of philanthropy, based not just on altruism, but on facts and on evidence.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
