The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation established in 1998 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The foundation was created by Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of Alberto-Culver Company, a $1.6 billion global manufacturer of consumer products including TRESemmé hair care products, until its acquisition by Unilever in 2011. Bernick is also the author of *Gather as You Go* and CEO of Polished Nickel Capital Management.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$451K
-26.8% YoY
Grant Count
56
-23.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$8K
-4.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation does not maintain a published mission statement. However, its grantmaking focuses primarily on:
- Education (K-12 and higher education)
- Health organizations
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
The foundation demonstrates particular commitment to educational institutions, with notable involvement in support of Tulane University, Carol Bernick's alma mater (graduated 1974), where she has served as an emerita board member. Education grantees have included Big Shoulders Fund, Francis W Parker School, Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching, and St Joseph Catholic School.
Grantmaking
The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. It supports preselected organizations and operates as an inaccessible foundation, making it difficult for new grantseekers to gain consideration without established connections.
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation is a place-based funder with primary focus on:
- Greater Chicago area (primary priority)
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Louisiana
Chicago is identified as an area of particular priority for this funder.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $8,284,549
- Total giving: $450,962
- Total revenues: $1,709,833
- Total expenses: $521,671
- Number of employees: 0
As of 2023:
- Total assets: $7.1 million
- Total revenues: $1.29 million
- Total expenses: $679,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Illinois Holocaust Museum ($100,000), Brother Rice High School ($95,000), Navy Seal Foundation ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A CURE FOR ROBERT INC LOUISVILLE, KY | GENERAL FUND | $3,000 |
| A HOUSE IN AUSTIN CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $1,000 |
| ADVENTHEALTH FOUNDATION WEST FLORIDA ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
| ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $1,000 |
| AMERCIAN CANCER SOCITY ATLANTA, GA | GENERAL FUND | $1,500 |
| AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $1,000 |
| BEAT THE STREETS - CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| BEST OF PROVISO TOWNSHIP BROADVIEW, IL | GENERAL FUND | $1,000 |
| BETTER GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Carol Lavin Bernick — Founder and primary decision-maker. Her children are noted as being on the foundation's board and engaged in business ventures, with potential influence on giving priorities.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL BERNICK | PRESIDENT/TREASURER | — | — |
| CRAIG BERNICK | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| PETER BERNICK | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| ELIZABETH BERNICK HUBER | VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced multiple grant rounds in recent years, including:
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGivingAwards of $300,000 in grants across multiple recipients
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGiving$200,000 in grants distributed in a recent grant cycle
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGiving$30,000 awarded to St. Cloud Youth Programs as part of a $300,000 statewide grant distribution
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $30K to St. Cloud Youth Programs, $300KSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Carol Bernick Family Foundation fund?
The foundation does not maintain a published mission statement. However, its grantmaking focuses primarily on: • **Education** (K-12 and higher education) • **Health organizations** • **Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking** • **Human Services** The foundation demonstrates particular commitment to educational institutions, with notable involvement in support of Tulane University, Carol Bernick's alma mater (graduated 1974), where she has served as an emerita board member. Education grantees …
How do I apply for a grant from Carol Bernick Family Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical grant awards range from $100,000–$105,000 • The foundation made 100 grants in 2024 • Recent grants include $100,000 to Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, $50,000 to Navy Seal Foundation, and $20,000 to Tulane University School of Medicine **Application Process:** The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. It supports preselected organizations and operates as an inaccessible foundation, making it difficult for new grantseeker…
Where does Carol Bernick Family Foundation make grants?
The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation is a place-based funder with primary focus on: • **Greater Chicago area** (primary priority) • **Illinois** • **Wisconsin** • **Louisiana** Chicago is identified as an area of particular priority for this funder.
What size grants does Carol Bernick Family Foundation award?
In 2024, Carol Bernick Family Foundation awarded 56 grants totaling $451K — an average of about $8K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Carol Bernick Family Foundation's EIN?
Carol Bernick Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4134174. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Carol Bernick Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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