• Collaborations must include at least two organizations. Both must be members of the Global Jewry network. If more than two organizations are involved, at least 2/3 of all participating organizations must be members of Global Jewry.
• The partnership must have been started within the past 24 months and be ongoing
• Demonstrates clear mutual benefit
• Cross-border collaborations are preferred

Each application will be judged on the following criteria:

• Collaboration: Genuine partnership between Jewish organizations or leaders.
• Impact: Proven results.
• Reach & Inclusion: Engaging diverse communities and weaving together a shared narrative.
• Scalability: Potential to grow, inspire, or be replicated by others.
• Mission Alignment: Advances Global Jewry’s vision of greater connection, cooperation, and collaboration.

Shoshana Shoubin Cardin (1926–2018) was a pioneering civic leader and one of the most influential Jewish women of the 20th century. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Baltimore, Cardin began her professional life as a public school teacher but quickly emerged as a dynamic force in public affairs and Jewish communal leadership. She broke multiple glass ceilings, becoming the first woman to chair a number of nonprofit groups, including the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Cardin was a powerful advocate for religious pluralism, social justice, and human rights, and played a central role in persuading Mikhail Gorbachev to publicly denounce antisemitism during the Soviet Union’s final years. She also led the fight against Israel’s proposed “Who Is a Jew?” amendment, preserving broader access to Jewish identity and immigration.

In Maryland, she chaired the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women and was instrumental in passing landmark legislation that gave women the right to establish credit in their own names—helping to remove a major financial barrier to women’s independence.

In 1991, Cardin famously clashed with President George H.W. Bush over his opposition to loan guarantees for Israel. When Bush referred to himself as “one lonely guy” facing down “a thousand lobbyists on the Hill,” Cardin publicly and privately rebuked him, calling the language “shameful” and warning of the dangerous stereotype it invoked. Her sharp and immediate response helped galvanize the Jewish community. Faced with backlash, Bush tried to walk back his comments—but the moment underscored Cardin’s fearless commitment to standing up for the Jewish people and holding even the most powerful leaders to account.

Through it all, she remained deeply committed to empowering others, often saying that true leadership is not about exerting power, but about unlocking the potential of a community.