Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
Offered by Helen Diller Family Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards are among the largest youth awards in the country: $36,000 to each recipient, given by the Helen Diller Family Foundation through the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. The program honors Jewish teens ages 15 to 19 who lead volunteer initiatives embodying tikkun olam - the Jewish value of repairing the world - whether the project serves the Jewish community or the broader public.
This is a recognition award rather than a traditional academic scholarship, but the money is explicitly usable for education: the foundation states the $36,000 "can be applied to the Award recipient's education or initiative." Teens can be nominated by teachers, rabbis or community leaders, or apply directly on their own behalf, and the application asks for detailed written responses about the project's leadership, impact and sustainability.
Beyond the check, awardees join a celebration weekend in San Francisco and an ongoing network of young changemakers, with continued support from the program's leadership. Applications for the current cycle are open now and close January 7, 2027.
Eligibility
- Ages 15-19 by the application deadline and identify as Jewish
- Resident of the United States, leading the project from the U.S.
- Currently serving in an uncompensated leadership role on a volunteer initiative with measurable impact
- Project may serve the Jewish community or the broader community
How To Apply
- Create an account in the online portal at dillerteenawards.org and draft the long-form responses about your project's leadership, impact and sustainability.
- Submit the completed application by January 7, 2027; you will receive email confirmation within 24 hours.
- Semifinalists are notified in April 2027 and finalists in May, with awardees announced in late May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a college scholarship?
It is a service-recognition award, but the $36,000 comes with education in mind - the foundation says the funds can be applied to the recipient's education or to their initiative, with no requirement to split it.
Do I need to be nominated?
No. Nominations from teachers, rabbis and community leaders are welcome through December, but teens may also apply directly through the online portal without a nomination.