Past Recipients

A Broader Way is an organization dedicated to offering girls from urban communities an outlet for self-expression and creativity through arts-centered programs. Their emphasis is on building self-esteem, developing leadership qualities and striving for personal and social achievement.  Girls participate in year-round activities, including a summer camp in which through interaction with people from the Broadway community they learn to accept themselves and each other. 

Active Minds Since 2003, Active Minds has been committed to changing the conversation surrounding mental health. Fostering a community where students who are thinking about suicide know they are not alone, this organization provides help and lets them know that seeking help is a sign of strength. “Thank you to Gilana’s Fund’s for your generous donation. Your kindness is strengthening a community 15,000 strong, and 15 years in the making. We could not have reached this point, nor had this profound of an impact, without your support.”

Advocates for Youth is the only organization that works both in the United States and in the developing world with a sole focus on adolescent reproductive and sexual health.  This organization champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.  “Advocates for Youth congratulates Gilana’s Fund as it celebrates and encourages comprehensive and inclusive sex education. Advocates for Youth works with a trail-blazing generation of young people to assure sexuality and reproduction health education, access and choices for adolescents and young adults, while empowering young people to advocate for themselves on the decisions that affect their lives.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)  The American Civil Liberties Union, an important and powerful voice in this country. For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. “On behalf of the ACLU, thank you, Gilana’s Fund! Because of your support, the ACLU Foundation can dare to create a more perfect union.”

The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect uses the words and spirit of Anne Frank as unique tools to advance her legacy, to educate young people and communities in the U.S. and Canada about the dangers of intolerance, anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination, and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on mutual respect. “The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect would like to thank Gilana’s Fund for their generous support...We thank Gilana’s Fund for helping bring forth the fairer, kinder world of which Anne dreamed.”

The Anti-Defamation League  "This generous gift honors Gilana's memory and ideals and supports an organization deeply committed to programs she would have cherished.  Your gift will help ADL to continue and expand more than a century of work that champions respect, security and civility--work that remains critical in these troubled times.  Our educational programs have reached more than approximately 60.5 million individuals with messages of respect and celebration of diversity. We are tireless proponents for religious freedom and equal rights for everyone.   Be assured that we will strive through our good works to preserve Gilana’s memory.  In this way, as in so many others, her life will surely serve as a blessing."

Arts Power is a national touring theatre that bring inspiring theatre to America’s children that feeds their intellect while enhancing the cultural life of their communities, giving children and parents hope, and providing them with powerful examples of how to be kindhearted and fair minded members of society.  In March 2016, Gilana’s Fund sponsored a performance in Michigan of “My Heart in a Suitcase,” a story about a young girl in the Holocaust.   “The performance reflected the gifts of theatre and educating children that Gilana shared with the world. It was a privilege for ArtsPower to present this performance in honor of her commitment to live theatre, her enduring work with young people and adults, and her spirit for life and teaching others.  Sincere thanks Gilana’s Fund for helping ArtsPower use the power of compelling theatre to help children learn, feel, be empathic, and do good in the world, just like Gilana did.” 

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Lakeshore  For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has worked to develop positive relationships that encourage children to succeed and thrive in life.  “It is an honor to be awarded a grant created in the name of this very special young woman who left her family and community far too soon. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with relationships that change their lives for the better.” 

Bloomington Playwrights’ Project is the only professional theatre in the entire state of Indiana dedicated solely to new plays. In operation for 31 years, B.P.P. is an advocate for playwrights and new plays, and believe firmly that they are not only important but absolutely vital to the future of the art form.  After receiving the grant, the Producing Artistic director wrote in his thank-you letter:   “Although I personally did not get the opportunity to meet Gilana, her meaningful impact on our organization is clear from the mentions of her name that continue years later.  While she is sorely missed, your continued and generous support helps the organization that she cared so much about to live on.  Your foundation’s charity will be used towards our year-round Youth Education Program to help invite young artists, new to theatre, into our organization and teach them the values of creation through new plays.”

The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity was established by Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace.  The Foundation's mission, rooted in the memory of the Holocaust, is to combat indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue and youth-focused programs that promote acceptance, understanding and equality—giving voice to the voiceless.   “We are truly fortunate to have people like you who share our drive to fight indifference and improves the lives of others.”

Garden State MOSAIC is a unique program providing an opportunity for students to learn positive and constructive ways of addressing the differences in values and norms between the many different faith traditions that have become part of our ever-changing society.  “The diversity in our groups has been encouraging.  Students over the years have come from many different traditions including Greek Orthodox, Reformed, American Baptist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Agnostic, Unitarian Universalist, Humanist, ‘none’ and ‘undecided.  Your generous support is greatly appreciated.”

Howard Brown Health Center, based in Chicago, is one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) healthcare organizations. With an annual budget of over $18 million, the agency serves more than 36,000 adults and youth each year.  Its diverse health and social service delivery system focuses around the following programmatic divisions: primary medical care, behavioral health, research, HIV/STD prevention, case management, social services, youth services, older adult services, and community initiatives. 

The Human Rights Campaign improves the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people by working to increase understanding and encourage the adoption of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices.  “This donation ensures that we continue to fashion a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.  As the country continues to grapple with LGBTQ issues, the HRC Foundation plans to use this grant to abet our work across several programs from workplace equality to our work to advance equality for LGBTQ people around the world.”

The Hylton Center for the Performing Arts/A Place to Be  aims to help people face, navigate, and overcome life’s challenges using the therapeutic arts.   They strive to be a leading, recognizable, influential therapeutic arts organizations, as well as leaders in the field of "Performance Based Music Therapy" and inclusionary programming that encompass all people's gifts and challenges as equal whereby all participants learn they have something to give as well as to receive.  The Hylton Center partners with A Place to Be to present their performance of Behind the Label to middle school students throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas in Virginia.   This is an incredibly powerful performance that teaches students about diversity, empathy, acceptance, and being yourself.  “It is thanks to organizations like yours that we’re able to present and expand the performances and educational opportunities geared specifically towards students and teachers.”  

The Indiana University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association (GLBTAA)  Emergency Scholarship Account awards emergency scholarships to students who have lost financial support from their parents after making the courageous decision of disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity, helping to ensure that they can continue their IU education and assure that “they need not choose between living their lives openly and honestly and an IU education.”  “Your gift and our emergency scholarships will help to continue Gilana’s inspiring legacy of acceptance, tolerance, understanding and good will at IU and beyond. We will forever be profoundly grateful.  Thank you.” 

Keshet  is the leading national grassroots organization that works for the full equality of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered Jews.  "With the support of individuals and caring organizations like Gilana’s Fund, Keshet strives to cultivate the spirit and practice of inclusion in all parts of the Jewish community.  Through training, community organizing, and resource development, we partner with clergy, educators, and volunteers to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to be effective agents of change.  We are so grateful for the legacy that Gilana has left – and we hope that our work honors her spirit of acceptance and compassion.”

The Kinsey Institue at Indiana University works towards advancing sexual health and knowledge worldwide. For over 60 years, the institute has been a trusted source for investigating and informing the world about critical issues in sex, gender and reproduction.  “We appreciate the passion with which Gilana lived her life and your commitment to both her memory and the causes she believed in. Your gift is both a kind tribute to Gilana, and a benefit to the future of the institute.  The Kinsey Institute stands strong in pursuit of our mission to advance sexual health and knowledge worldwide. We recognize and welcome the unique position the institute holds, and the responsibility it bears. Please accept our sincere appreciation for your gift.  Everyone at The Kinsey Institute wishes the Gilana Shira Alpert Fund good fortune as you continue the work that Gilana wasn't able to complete.”

National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc.'s mission is to help heal communities through the principles of nonviolence. NSTVA is committed to working collaboratively with the community through ministerial outreach, youth programs, collective conferences with law enforcement agencies and public officials, and informational seminars about the effects of drug usage, gang violence, sex education, and about economic uplifting, such as how to ace interviews, how to obtain employment, and how to manage unemployment. It is NSTVA's mission to help end violence across the country and to bring awareness to the many illnesses that have an effect on our culture.  "With your contribution, we will be able to expand our programming with the youth, the community, and help to bridge the gap between these important entities and law enforcement. Without the work that you do, none of this would be possible. Like you, education, acceptance, and change are at the very core of everything we do.  We appreciate Gilana's Fund.  Let us work together!”   

NYC Kids Project is a social justice arts organization advocating acceptance and inclusion. Performances and classroom programs use theatrical puppets, storytelling, sign-language, adaptive equipment and facilitated dialogue to focus on character development and anti-bullying issues.   Audiences are encouraged to examine attitudes surrounding disabilities and differences, fostering empathy and awareness of commonalities.

Project HEAL  provides grant funding for people with eating disorders who cannot afford treatment, promote healthy body image and self esteem, and serve as a testament that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.. “Together with your support, we are truly saving lives by working to promote a healthy, positive, and natural body image."

The Shoah Remembrance Committee of Muskegon, specifically to help sponsor a child’s participation in their program, “The Journey.”  “The Journey” is a year-long program for 8th grade students from various ethnic, religious and socio- economic backgrounds who study the Holocaust and the root causes of hatred, discrimination, and violence.  “It is with great thankfulness that the Shoah Remembrance Committee of Muskegon receives the donation from Gilana's Fund to be used toward the commemoration of the Holocaust and community based educational work on the Holocaust in the Muskegon area.  It is with a joyful heart that we remember Gilana whose life touched so many people in Muskegon with her music, her singing, her presence and her love of people.”

Society for Women’s Health Research, a national non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, that is widely recognized as the thought leader in research on sex differences and is dedicated to improving women’s health through advocacy, education, and research.

Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the Center works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.   “Gilana Alpert was an inspiring young lady and we are extremely honored to receive this gift in her memory.  With you by our side, we are making a difference in the ongoing struggle for equal justice and equal opportunity in our nation.” 

Stomp Out Bullying is the leading national bullying and cyber bullying prevention organization for kids and teens in the U.S.  Stomp Out Bullying focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred.  It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, and providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide.   “It is heartbreaking when a family and the world loses someone so young, someone so vital, someone who cared about making a difference. To know that Gilana was such an advocate for people’s rights humbles us and we thank you for this grant, which will be used to ensure that the students we help will be accepted for themselves and for Gilana!”   

Theatre for Young Audiences/USA is a national service organization whose mission is to promote the power of professional theatre for young audiences through excellence, collaboration and innovation across cultural and international boundaries.  Founded in 1965 as ASSITEJ/USA, TYA/USA is the only theatre organization in the United States which has the development of professional theatre for young audiences and international exchange as its primary mandates.   “Gilana’s passion for Theatre and education will continue to touch and empower other young artists such as herself through this donation.”

The Trevor Project Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.  "Thanks to Gilana's Fund, we at the Trevor Project have been able to provide life-saving crisis-services to these young people by phone and online."

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s National Institute for Holocaust Education inspires citizens and leaders to confront hate, prevent genocide and promote human dignity.   The Museum's National Institute for Holocaust Education includes the special and traveling exhibitions, teacher training efforts in all 50 states and in hot spots around the world like Turkey and Egypt, creates classroom and digital engagement resources in Holocaust education, and provides training in character development and decision-making for our military, law enforcement and judges.

U.S.C. Shoah Foundation-The Institute for Visual History and Education makes an extraordinary difference and helps to advance our worldwide mission to overcome prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry-and the suffering they cause-through the educational use of the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses.  Gilana had many family members who were survivors of the Holocaust, and when she was 14, was asked to join the young journalists of Channel One News to report on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.  In that same year, she presented Channel One's first annual Knowledge is Power Award to Steven Spielberg both for his film Schindler's List and for his work on the Shoah Visual History Foundation. Afterward, she spoke to many middle school and high school students about the Holocaust. The organization was renamed, now the U.S.C. Shoah Foundation-The Institute for Visual History and Education.

The Sesame Street Yellow Feather Fund brings educational materials to children in need – here and around the world.  Using the power of media and their beloved characters, they reach little learners at their earliest time in development--A time when they can be set on a positive path for life. “Donations like this one from Gilana’s Fund help the Sesame Workshop bring the life-changing benefits of early learning- including teachings of literacy, well-being and mutual respect and understanding- to millions of vulnerable children at the most critical time in their development, when we can have the greatest impact.  Thank you for your dedication to helping kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.”

Zebra Coalition works to ensure that necessary resources and services are readily available to assist in-need and LGBT+ youth in Central Florida.  After the horrific events in Orlando in June, 2016, Gilana's Fund reached out to help.  “Gilana’s Fund is very important to us, and the contribution is being used to improve the lives of many individuals who may otherwise have no place to turn.”