About the Fund

Empathy is an invaluable natural resource for conflict transformation. With empathy, we can build a better society because it enables human beings to appreciate other people’s perspective and respond to other people’s thoughts and feelings with an appropriate emotion. Empathy serves as an inhibitor of aggression and conflict, a catalyst of prosocial behavior, and helps us make better choices that promote a sustainable peace. 

The Emile Bruneau Empathy Fund was established in 2020 in memory of  Dr. Emile Bruneau, a peacebuilder, neuroscientist and founding member of Empathy for Peace who passed away in 2020. The Emile Bruneau Empathy Fund aims to support grassroots empathy projects around the world. 

2022 Grant Call for Applications 


The response to our 2022 Call for Applications has been overwhelming and we have received many more applications that we can process in a timely manner! Due to this we are unfortunately not able to accept any more applications at this time. Please stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 

Thank you!
Empathy for Peace Team

2021 Grant Recipients

Following a review of all eligible submissions we are excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 Emile Bruneau Empathy Fund Grants. 

Baraem Shijaeya Summer Camp
This is a one month summer camp for the children of Shijaeya Neighborhood. The camp will focus on improving empathy, life skills and critical thinking for the children. To support these goals the camp will include artistic courses, local trips to cultural centers, drama, reading sessions, sports and folklore and cultural activities. 

The grant was received by  the Shijaeya Community Project (SCP), Gaza City. SCP is a non-profit project focusing on the educational and behavioral needs of Shijaeya’s children to improve their mental, educational, and social well-being. 

Palestine Beats: Rapping, Beat-Making, and Nonviolent Communication Skill Building
This 8-week project will offer a creative outlet for youth and help nurture their social and -emotional development by cultivating empathy, conflict resolution skills, and emotional regulation abilities. While learning beatmaking, mixing, & and songwriting, participants will be taught how to use specific non-violent communication (NVC) techniques to collaborate and mutually share feedback, building their communication skills and, the ability to be vulnerable.

This grant was received by Vision Association for Culture and Arts/House of Hope Vision School. House of Hope Vision School’s mission is to strengthen Palestinian society with holistic elementary education, accessible vocational training, and dynamic social support for marginalized children, youth, and women in Jerusalem’s suburbs.

Emile dedicated his life to putting neuroscience to work for peace. Through our support of these projects in Palestine, particularly during this challenging time for Palestinians, we hope to keep Emile’s memory and vision for a peaceful world alive.
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