Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of educational and health organizations. Chicago is an area of priority for this funder.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

PROFILE: Founded in 1998, the Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation was established by Polished Nickel Capital Management CEO Carol Bernick. The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation’s grantmaking invests mainly in education and health, prioritizing the greater Chicago area. 

Carol Bernick serves as an emerita board member of her alma mater Tulane University, with which she's been heavily involved. Many of her other nonprofit involvements focus on the Chicago area. Bernick founded Friends of Prentice, a volunteer group of executives and professionals that has raised millions of dollars for Chicago’s Prentice Women’s Hospital of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Tax filings suggest that grants range from $250 to $200,000. Past grantees include the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, the Big Shoulders Fund, Friends of Prentice, the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Review the funder's recent tax records to learn more about past grantees. Grantmaking focuses on Chicago. 

Due to its lack of transparency and lack of a public presence, it is unclear whether the foundation accepts unsolicited proposals. The funder's phone number to get in touch is 312-477-7603.

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