Tikkun olam. It’s a central Jewish concept that means “to repair the world.” And It’s the concept on which Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller based the Helen Diller Family Foundation in 2007.

Since then, the foundation has given out nearly 1.5 million dollars to Jewish teens who exemplify commitment to volunteer service projects. The idea is to encourage teens in the Jewish community towards philanthropy. The award is given to teens who are working, in a leadership capacity, to repair the world.

Past awards have been given out for a range of accomplishments, such as convincing a school board to install solar panels at a school, or starting musical fundraisers for orphans in Kenya, or for raising funds to build clean water wells in Nicaragua.

Nominations are open through Jan. 19 for the award. Requirements are that nominees are between 13 and 19 years old, that they aren’t compensated in any way for their work and that they self-identify as Jewish. Teens may nominate themselves, or someone other than a family member may nominate them.

To nominate a teen, complete the form at dillerteenawards.com. More information can be found by emailing [email protected] or by calling (415) 512-6432.